‘We need your assistance in this relief effort,” said Western Cape MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, at a provincial briefing on Wednesday.
Rivers began breaking their banks and flooding roads and homes in parts of the province earlier this week. With no sign of the weather easing up, many residents need assistance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGwVwGCIrVo
Heavy rain flooded homes in Lwandle informal settlement in Strand on 6 June 2024. (Photo: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)
There are predictions for heavy rains and even stronger winds in the coming days, putting more homes and lives at risk.
Read more in Daily Maverick: Thousands left homeless in Western Cape as gale-force winds and torrential rain wreak havoc
Speaking about relief efforts by organisations such as Gift of the Givers and U-Turn Homeless Ministries, Londt said: “They’ve done a tremendous job.”
U-Turn Homeless Ministries
Daily Maverick reported on Tuesday that U-Turn, an organisation that provides long-term solutions to homelessness, has opened up a church for people to shelter from the storms over the next few nights.
The organisation has asked for blankets, sleeping bags, canned food and thin mattresses. Donations can be dropped off at 155 2nd Avenue, Kenilworth. Doors will remain open until 9pm until the weekend.
U-turn Ministries can be contacted here.
Floods in Lwandle informal settlement in Strand. (Photo: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)
Floods in Lwandle informal settlement in Strand. (Photo: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach)
Cape Town-based housing access group Ndifuna Ukwazi is also assisting by collecting food, mattresses, blankets, storage boxes, money and building materials for people who have lost their homes during the storms.
People wishing to donate and those who need assistance can contact the organisation at 021 012 5094 or email Contact@nu.org.za.
Cape Town donations
“I want to assure the public that the city has all hands on deck, but that the weather conditions will likely result in widespread flooding and this will impact response times,” said Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.
The city has received numerous donations including 36,000 meals and 6,000 blankets. Pick n Pay shoppers are encouraged to contribute by leaving their donations in designated trolleys.
Donations can be delivered to drop-off points at the Goodwood, Lakeside, Ottery, Roeland Street, Sir Lowry’s Pass and Strand fire stations.
Gift of the Givers
Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers has continued to assist during the flooding by providing essentials and support for those affected. They can be reached on the toll-free number 0800 786 911. Those wishing to donate items can do so through their website or contribute through their Backabuddy fundraising campaign.
The Haven Night Shelter
The Haven Night Shelter is providing temporary accommodation to those in need, with 150 beds available across their 14 shelters in the Western Cape.
Flood victims can contact their head office at 021 425 4700, email moirahenderson@haven.org.za, contact their Retreat office at 021 761 0946/084 606 2525 or email retreat@haven.org.za. DM