Several areas across the Western Cape are grappling with power outages following overnight storms, as Eskom and the City of Cape Town mobilize teams to restore electricity supply amidst ongoing severe weather conditions.
The recent onslaught of extreme weather, including gale-force winds, heavy rain, and thunderstorms, has led to multiple faults across the Western Cape, leaving some customers without electricity. Areas significantly affected include Beaufort West, Kraaifontein, Khayelitsha, Klawer, Kylemore, Gordon’s Bay, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Somerset West, Stellenbosch farms, and Vredendal.
Eskom technicians are working tirelessly despite the challenging weather conditions to address the structural damage and restore power supply. However, the persistent storms continue to hamper restoration efforts, resulting in a backlog of repairs.
In parallel, the City of Cape Town’s electricity teams are also engaged in round-the-clock operations to attend to the high volumes of weather-related service requests. The inclement weather has caused damage to infrastructure across various areas, necessitating extensive repair work.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Premier Alan Winde expressed concern over the impact of the storms on electricity infrastructure. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to mitigate the effects of the adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, road closures have further exacerbated transportation challenges in the region. Major routes such as Baden Powell, Hout Bay Main Road, Kloof Road, Chapman’s Peak, and Clarence Drive remain closed due to sand accumulation, ongoing construction, and the risk of rockfalls. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and allow extra travel time due to wet and slippery road conditions.
Additionally, schools in the Cape Winelands, Overberg, and Helderberg basin areas have been closed today in response to severe storm warnings. The Western Cape Education Department is assessing reports of school damage caused by high winds and will determine further closures based on weather conditions.
Despite the disruptions caused by the storms, authorities are mobilizing resources and coordinating efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Disaster management and emergency services personnel are on high alert to respond to any further incidents arising from the adverse weather.
As the Western Cape grapples with the aftermath of severe storms, Eskom, the City of Cape Town, and other stakeholders remain committed to restoring essential services and mitigating the impact of inclement weather on communities across the region.
Source: ESI Africa
