Approximately 1,000 residences in informal settlements in Cape Town, South Africa, were devastated by strong winds, displacing about 4,000 people, according to authorities and an aid organization, as the city prepares for a week of severe storms.
Meteorological authorities in South Africa issued a Monday warning forecasting multiple cold fronts set to impact Cape Town and its vicinity until at least Friday.
The forecast includes substantial precipitation, powerful winds, flooding risks, and potential mudslides.
In addition, city officials alerted residents to potential storm surges and high waves along the coastline, advising avoidance of beachfront areas for safety reasons.
Since the arrival of the first weather front last Thursday, Cape Town’s disaster coordination team has been on alert.
The areas most severely affected are anticipated to be the impoverished informal settlements on the outskirts of South Africa’s second-largest city.
Following the destruction of homes and other structures by strong winds, thousands of residents in Khayelitsha township on the outskirts of Cape Town have been displaced.
Over the weekend, the humanitarian group Gift of the Givers distributed 10,000 meals and 3,000 blankets to displaced individuals in Khayelitsha.
“The city is making every effort to mitigate the impacts as swiftly as possible,” stated the City of Cape Town.
Situated on the southwestern tip of Africa, Cape Town often faces cold fronts sweeping in from the Atlantic Ocean during its winter season in the middle of the year.
These weather patterns pose significant challenges, especially for informal settlements in the city.
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