Mayor Hill-Lewis signs major incident declaration for Cape Town

26 September 2023

Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis, has signed a Major Incident Declaration which allows for the unlocking of additional resources and relief measures to deal with incident impacts. The City is working around the clock in assisting communities impacted by the weekend storm. Read more below:

The severe weather this past weekend has resulted in significant damage due to flooding, mudslides, rockfalls, fallen trees, and damage to buildings and infrastructure as well as the disruption of services. At least eight fatalities in the City have been linked to the severe weather impact. Although many areas were significantly affected, the Helderberg area including Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, Sandvlei Macassar, Strand, Somerset-West and Gordon’s Bay was particularly badly affected with extensive mudslides affecting Sir Lowry’s Pass Village.

Significant work is under way to assist with recovery, in offering humanitarian relief, and in reconstructing and rehabilitating affected areas.

‘It is very important for me to have visited the affected areas in Sir Lowry’s Pass Village and Rasta Kamp and to make an assessment of the number of structures that will need to be rebuilt and people needing immediate relief due to the damages. Today, as Mayor, I signed the necessary documents required to declare a major incident, which will enable a greater response.

‘My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones through various tragic incidents that took place during the storm. May we keep these families in our prayers and thoughts.

‘Thank you to the City officials who have worked throughout this weekend, and continue to do so, to support all residents. I wish to thank all members of the public and organisations who have donated food items, clothing and other items as part of the community response,’ said Mayor Hill-Lewis.

The South African Social Security Agency has been advised of the incident and has been requested to provide social relief assistance too.

Issued by Media Office, City of Cape Town, 26 September 2023