The Commission mourns the lives lost in the province due to these adverse weather conditions and extends condolences to affected families and communities. The Commission urges residents in affected areas to follow official guidance from municipalities and provincial disaster management structures to protect lives in view of the ongoing threat of flooding, landslides and dams overflowing. Vigilance and co-operation with Disaster Management Teams, which are confirmed to be on standby, are key to preventing loss of life at this time.

Climate change and increasingly severe weather require better preparedness. The Commission encourages public participation in planning for future events and once the immediate danger of the current and forecast weather systems has passed, encourages the public to engage with national, provincial and local government on disaster readiness plans. Active citizenship includes participation in planning for the unforeseen and its effects.

While these adverse weather conditions persist , the public in affected areas is urged to prepare where possible by ensuring that they have enough water for drinking, have a bag packed (which should contain identification documents, medical information and warm clothing as a minimum) to be ready to leave their homes at short notice should authorities indicate that evacuation is necessary. Seek assistance from local authorities, and remain alert to threats including flash floods, falling trees, high river and dam levels, high seas, and washed-away roads. Keeping roads clear where possible will also allow the authorities access for disaster recovery operations which are ongoing. Patience and respect should be exercised at all times to ensure the safety of everyone.

The public is reminded to follow communication and escalation channels for purposes of reporting problems and faults noting that such channels may be clogged due to high demand for assistance and intervention. Telephone numbers which should be used for obtaining assistance remain the ones provided on the Western Cape Disaster Management pages of the Western Cape Provincial Government. These are: 10177 from a landline and 112 from a cellphone.

ISSUED BY THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL OFFICE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION