Storms in South Africa's Cape Town displace 4,500 people and cause significant damage

In Cape Town, South Africa, severe storms have wreaked havoc, displacing at least 4,500 people and damaging over 15,000 structures. The extreme weather, which began a week ago, has been characterized by record rainfall and gale-force winds, with multiple cold fronts hitting the region. The Wynberg neighborhood in Cape Town bore the brunt of the latest storm, resulting in roofs being torn off houses, buildings being destroyed, and electricity poles being brought down. City authorities have been working tirelessly to respond to residents' calls for help, with the Disaster Operations Centre operating round the clock. The city, along with non-governmental organizations, has provided over 36,000 meals and distributed 6,000 blankets to those affected. Many of the displaced individuals are from impoverished informal settlements on the outskirts of Cape Town, where makeshift structures are particularly vulnerable to severe weather conditions. The impact of the storms has been widespread, with schools closed in Cape Town and surrounding areas, including the renowned wine-growing region of Stellenbosch. The extreme cold fronts have led to unusual occurrences like snow in Stellenbosch and the bursting of major rivers in the province. Evacuations have been ordered in agricultural areas and wine-growing regions due to flooding, prompting authorities to consider releasing water from dams as a precautionary measure to prevent further damage. Cape Town and the southwest coast of South Africa are no strangers to the effects of winter cold fronts, which bring heavy rain and strong winds during the middle of the year. The situation remains critical as authorities brace for continued bad weather, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and assistance for those affected by the devastating storms.