Cape Town – As a result of the massive storm that hit the Cape, at least five people have been confirmed dead.
A family of four died in Kraaifontein due to a fire caused by lightning, the Western Cape Local Government department reported on Wednesday.
In Lavender Hill, a 60-year-old man died after his informal structure collapsed.
Emergency Medical Services also responded to a number of incidents.
"Four patients (two Lavender Hill; two Panorama) were transported to hospital due to injuries," James Styan, spokesperson for Local Government MEC Anton Bredell said. "Approximately 15 people were evacuated in the Informal Settlements in Malmesbury and temporary accommodated has been provided."
A provincial joint operations centre was also activated by the police.
"Chapman’s peak has been closed due to mudslides and they are currently monitoring the roads in terms of clean-up operations due to debris caused by strong winds," Styan said. "The Huguenot tunnel is open to light vehicles and heavy vehicles are rerouted through the Du Toit’s Kloof pass."
Metrorail delays
Metrorail also reported delays of more than an hour.
· Closure of Transnet Freight Rail lines: Stikland, Malmesbury, Wellington and Muldersvlei services has been closed due to safety
· Pantograph hook-up at Somerset-West: Trains from Cape Town terminate at Firgrove which will affect Eerste Rriver to Strand
· Woltemade: Residual delays following an early morning signal failure; all central, north and Cape Flats trains are affected
· Residual effect of faulty train earlier at Kalk Bay: affects the train service to Simon’s Town. Trains are operating under manual authorisation.
The NSRI assisted in Kommetjie with the cleaning of debris. "Continuous contact with the Maritime Response Coordination Centre (MRCC) is maintained regarding sea traffic monitoring and it was reported that no vessels are in distressed," Styan said.
School closures
Schools were expected to reopen by Thursday, Styan said. This was confirmed by the spokesperson for Education MEC Debbie Schäfer, Jessica Shelver.
The following schools were damaged due to the severe weather event:
Metropole
· Princeton High, Capricorn Primary, Plumstead High, Berglviet High, Vodacom Teachers’ Support Centre (Merrydale), Blomvlei Primary, The Vine School NPC, Impendulo Primary, Palm Park primary and Itsitsa Primary
Cape Winelands Education District:
· De Tuinen Primary, Riverview Primary and Victoria Primary
Western Cape Department of Social Development (WCDSD)
The service providers for social relief are on standby and WCDSD is awaiting verification from the municipalities.
One SANDF Oryx aircraft is on standby for the evacuation of people, should the need arise, Styan said.
All hiking routes have also been closed to the public.
Electricity disruptions
Eskom electricity disruption were reported in Albertinia/Stilbaai, Tulbagh, Caledon/Greyton, De Doorns, Touwsrivier, Ladismith, Franschoek, Worcester and Darling. Ladismith town’s water supply has been affected due to the electricity disruption.
Eskom is attending to these areas.