Western Cape Minister of Education, David Maynier, confirmed that schools in the Cape Winelands and Overberg education districts will remain closed tomorrow, Tuesday, 9 April 2024.
The second day of closure will only be applicable to the 281 schools in the Cape Winelands Education District, and the 84 schools in the Overberg Education District.
Schools in the Helderberg area of Metro East Education District, will open on Tuesday, 9 April 2024.
The Overstrand Municipality Joint Operation Centre (JOC) or Incident Centre, was activated to monitor the heavy rainfall expected in certain parts of the Overstrand later today.
The main area of concern remains Stanford and surrounds, a statement from the Overstrand Municipality confirmed a few hours ago.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) said inclement weather in the Western Cape is expected to clear on Wednesday, 10 April.
SAWS issued a Level 9 warning on Sunday, for disruptive rain resulting in widespread flood over the Overberg and the southern Cape Winelands on Monday, 8 April 2024.
The bulk of the heavy rainfall is expected Monday morning and again from Monday afternoon into the evening.
The Municipality cautioned motorists to be extra vigilant as roads are slippery. Residents of low-lying areas are urged to be cautious.
Status of roads that were closed earlier today:
N2 Sir Lowry’s Pass (open)
Botriver bridge on the N2 (open)
R320 Hemel and Aarde Road (open)
R43 between Hermanus and Gansbaai (open)
R44 Palmiet bridge (open)
R44 Clarence Drive between Rooi-Els and Gordon’s Bay (closed)
Eskom outages in the Cape
Due to the inclement weather and gale force winds over the last few days, Eskom’s infrastructure in various areas across the province, was affected.
A statement from the Stellenbosch Municipality said as a result, Eskom is facing delays in restoring power supply.
“The matter has also been escalated with the Western Cape Goverment. The Western Cape Government is urging Eskom to expedite restoration efforts and provide regular updates to municipalities.”
This morning the Municipality also confirmed that all fires that flared up last week, were contained, and mop up operations began yesterday. Fires were in the Paarl mountain, Drakenstein and Swartland.
Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, visited the Stellenbosch Fire Station to receive an update on the fire that swept through Kayamandi, an informal settlement in the area.
About 1000 people were displaced as a result.
Joburg Roads Agency (JRA) also issued an alert today, advising residents to expect slippery roads, occassional floods and over-topping of low-lying areas.
SA Weather Services (SAWS) said a negative storm surge is to be expected, characterized by strong gale force winds, and an abnormal rise of tides, between Saldanha and Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).
The storm is expected to subside today.
Pictures: Stellenbosch Municipality, Kayamandi Empowerment
Useful emergency numbers
Please report flood-related incidents to the 24/7 Fire & Rescue Emergency Call Centre on 028 312 2400.
To request a tanker service, download the Collab Citizen App which is fully functional for Android and iOs devices or phone
Overstrand Switchboard 028 313 8000 (the 24-hour after-hour number is: 028 3138111)
Kleinmond 028 271 8400/8404/8435
Hermanus 028 313 8000/ 028 313 5051 / 028 313 8997 / 028 313 8090
Stanford 028 341 8500/8516
Gansbaai 028 384 8300/8328/8367
Overstrand Municipal Services Control Room 24/7 after-hour number 028 313 8111