Death toll from Western Cape storm rises to 4
Search and rescue services in the Western Cape have recovered the bodies of two residents who went missing earlier in the week.
The two went missing when a severe storm made landfall in the Southern Cape on Tuesday evening.
The bodies were found in the Riviersonderend and Stormsvlei area on Friday.
Two others died in Bonnievale after a truck became stuck between a river and vineyard on Wednesday night.
This brings the death toll up to four.
“Every casualty is a tragedy and we are deeply saddened by each loss. Emergency responders continue to work non-stop across the affected regions to ensure people are kept as safe as possible,” said the province’s MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell.
“These efforts will not stop until the danger has passed.”
The first winter storm of the year hit the Western Cape on Wednesday morning, leading to major flooding in parts of the province.
The storm caused significant damage and flooding across the Cape Winelands on Wednesday night.
“Malgas remains cut off but the area is reported to be safe. Disaster management continues to monitor the area and will support if needs be,” Bredell added.
“Several roads in the Southern Cape are either closed or affected by localised flooding.
“Damage to agricultural fields and livestock is expected to be significant.”
Bredell further issued a warning to locals.
“People are urged to limit travelling and to remain indoors as far as possible.”
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