Cape of Storms: Counting the cost after winter rains, floods hit WC

CAPE TOWN - A series of cold fronts during this year's winter months brought with it relentless heavy rains and flooding to many parts of the Western Cape.

Extensive infrastructure damage was reported due to gale-force winds and massive storms that swept through the province.

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The Overberg, Cape Winelands, the West Coast, and City of Cape Town were the hardest hit.

Thousands of residents in these areas were left destitute after their homes were flooded due to the heavy downpours in April and July.

The town of Citrusdal was completely cut off after heavy rains caused the main road to collapse.

A section of the R303 washed away after a nearby river burst its banks. 

Residents from an informal settlement near the Olifants River also had to be evacuated and housed at a local community hall.

Homeless shelters made extra beds available for people living on the streets.

Some of the damage reported in other parts of the province included blown off roofs, flooded schools, homes and roads, as well as electricity outages, leading to a disaster declaration.

The provincial government said it had incurred billions of rand in flood damage since 2023.