Western Cape prepares for worst storm in 30 years

THE City of Cape Town has appealed to people living along the Atlantic seaboard – probably the most expensive stretch of real estate on the continent – to take “special precautions to protect their properties”.

The warning comes as the worst storm in 30 years is expected to strike the Western Cape and the Northern Cape today.

Ocean swells reaching 12 metres‚ gale-force winds and large amounts of rain have been predicted‚ prompting the Western Cape government to close all schools in the province and to urge people to stay home.

Charlotte Powell‚ spokeswoman for the Disaster Management Centre‚ said the South African Weather Service informed them that the cold front coincided with spring tide which will increase the likelihood of flooding along the coast.

“Residents of areas right at the coast such as Bakoven‚ Camps Bay Main Road‚ Slangkop‚ Kommetjie‚ Small and Big Bay in Blouberg‚ Melkbosstrand‚ Strand etc might want to consider moving their cars to higher ground if they can‚” said Powell.

“It is key that the general public stays away from the coastal areas for their own safety.”

Airports Company South Africa spokeswoman at Cape Town International Airport‚ Deidre Davids‚ advised those travelling to stay in touch with airlines to get up to date information.

“There are no flights that have been cancelled yet. The individual airlines will make a determination on that‚” Davids said yesterday.

She said they have ensured that their storm water channels were clear to avoid flooding.

According to the city residents can reduce their flood risk by implementing the following tips:

● Make sure drainage pipes at your home are not blocked.

● Make sure that the storm water gutters around your property are free from debris.

● Check for dead or burnt trees that have the potential of falling onto your property and causing damage.

● Place sandbags to protect critical areas.

● Check the terms of your insurance policy with regard to flood and mud damage.

● In informal settlements, raise the floor level of your house to be higher than the land outside.

● Listen to weather warnings issued by the South African Weather Service. — TMG