Western Cape floods trigger mass evacuations and large‑scale rescues

Heavy rain from two cold fronts dumped 188 mm in Paarl and 159 mm in Wellington, activating disaster plans across the Drakenstein Municipality in South Africa's Western Cape. Municipal teams, aided by Gift of the Givers, the Al‑Imdaad Foundation and the Western Cape Department of Social Development, evacuated 241 residents, set up temporary shelters with meals and dignity kits, and relocated families from river‑bank settlements. Councillor Stephen Korabie emphasized keeping roads, stormwater channels and electricity operational while residents were urged to stay clear of low‑lying waterways.

In the neighbouring Breede Valley, the same Level 8 weather warning produced widespread flooding, mudslides and road closures on the N1 and several mountain passes. Emergency crews rescued a seven‑day‑old infant and helped 580 people find refuge in community halls. Power outages affected Witzenberg, Rawsonville, De Doorns and Klapmuts, and hospitals reported increased pressure. Humanitarian groups such as the Salvation Army provided aid, while Provincial Minister Tertuis Simmers pledged road‑repair resources to restore safe access for residents and emergency vehicles.