The Western Cape storm in pictures
Elzaan Debruyn carries her dog Cocoa through water in Sandvlei on the Cape Flats. Debruyn says her shack is “completely flooded”. The water is “over the window sills”. “We don’t have beds to sleep on. All our clothes are wet.” Debruyn lives in a shack with her fiancé and four children. “We have nothing”.
An unseasonal September spring storm has devastated parts of the Western Cape. Ashraf Hendricks drove around, capturing some poignant scenes with his camera.
Homes in Sandvlei were flooded when the Eersterivier burst its banks.
Shamiela Benjamin stands in her flooded home in Sandvlei. Benjamin says that she has been living in this house for 34 years. She says that her home was flooded within 30 minutes. She says that every winter there is some flooding, but “never ever has this house been from front to back flooded, and this high”.
Benjamin says that the Kramat XV, the local rugby team, helped them and others in the community move their furniture.
Benjamin is concerned about whether the structure of her decades-old home will survive the wet. But she says that she and her family will be okay. “It’s not our first rodeo.”
A bridge over the Botrivier collapsed, blocking the N2.
The blocked roads caused a huge traffic jam on the N2.
An electricity station in Somerset West was flooded.
Some roads in Somerset West were only accessible using a 4x4.
A tree collapsed in front of St Georges Cathedral in Cape Town city centre. Across the city trees collapsed, causing extensive damage.
Elzaan Debruyn and Cocoa reach dry land.
Next: In photos: Cape Town children celebrate Heritage Day with traditional games
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Letters
Dear Editor
Many farmers helped people last night getting cars out of ditches and across rivers. Unprecedented flooding caught many holidaymakers unawares and unprepared. Thanks to farmers and whoever helped the travelers out of these scary conditions.
Dear Editor
My family and I were traveling back to Cape Town from Somerset West on Monday evening. Large parts of the N2 are flooded, so we had to drive carefully.
We are so grateful to the traffic officers who were on the N2 keeping people safe! They had blocked off sections that were flooded and slowed the traffic to ensure we got through the water, that was flowing over both lanes.
We'd like to thank them & let them know that we really appreciate their dedication!
Dear Editor
My wife, my daughter, and I arrived in Cape Town on the 24th from East London. Greeted by hectic winds and storms. Yet one cannot believe how clean, neat, and tidy the province is kept. Law Enforcement is always visible and present. Very friendly and eager to assist, especially during these storms. With the network being problematic and GPS up to maggots. It was comforting to know we had dependable civil servants to count on. I have a new respect and appreciation for the members in the Western Cape.
Thank You
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