STORY: Over 100,000 people affected by heavy rains in South Africa's Cape Town
SHOOTING DATE: July 11, 2024
DATELINE: July 13, 2024
LENGTH: 00:03:22
LOCATION: PRETORIA, South Africa
CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT

SHOTLIST:
1. various of areas affected by heavy rains

STORYLINE:

The provincial government of South Africa's Western Cape said Friday that a total of 100,000 people have so far been affected and 33,000 buildings have been damaged in the city of Cape Town by heavy rains that hit the province recently.
   
"Authorities remain on high alert as cold and wet weather persists. Two further cold fronts are expected to make landfall between Saturday and Sunday," said Anton Bredell, Western Cape minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, at the Joint Operations Center's meeting Friday.
   
"We have a huge humanitarian situation to deal with, and all authorities are working together to address it. Our focus will remain on keeping people safe until the severe weather has passed," said Bredell. "We have approached the National Disaster Management Center for a provincial disaster classification, and expect an announcement soon."
   
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said the province desperately needs additional resources to sustain its disaster management operations.
   
The Western Cape Education Department said Thursday that more than 200 schools across the province have reported some sort of damage or disruption.
   
The South African Weather Service warned Friday that they expect 60 mm to 100 mm of rainfall in the mountainous areas of the province between Saturday and Sunday.
   
"Our dams and rivers are full, and our catchments are saturated, so any additional rainfall could lead to flooding, mudslides, and rock falls. We repeat our call to the public to stay safe, avoid unnecessary travel and keep informed through reputable news outlets," the weather service said. 

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Pretoria, South Africa.
(XHTV)