8 dead as storms batter Western Cape
At least eight people have died amid the heavy storms battering the Western Cape since early this morning.
The Western Cape Disaster Management Centre says four people died as a result of a fire caused by a lightning strike in Kraaifontein.
The fifth fatality was a 60 year-old man, who died when his shack collapsed on him in Lavender Hill.
The Western Cape government’s James Brent-Styan says authorities are doing their utmost best to avoid further fatalities.
"We where hoping to avoid this as far as possible, but sadly you can never prepare for every event. We did what we could and our condolences go out to the families. We hope that we can limit any further fatalities or incidents," Styan says.
Styan says there are not enough details on all the deaths as they are still investigating.
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Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town's Disaster Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell says emergency services are stretched to capacity.
"We are getting reports that roofs have been blown off and trees have been uprooted. Our emergency services are out in several areas clearing roadways and unblocking drains.”
Powell says in Hout Bay, some 700 structures have been affected by floods.
"In Macassar Village we also have structures affected by floods. Community halls and churches have been made available for residents who need relief in these areas.”