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- Two retention dams in Dassenberg burst their banks early on Thursday morning.
- Western Cape Local Government MEC Anton Bredell said their main priority was ensuring access to clean water and essential services for all affected people throughout the weekend.
- A breach in a dam on the Dassenberg property caused significant flooding in parts of Riverlands and Dassenberg.
Two dams have burst their banks in Dassenberg in the Swartland Municipality, causing severe flooding in parts of Riverlands and Dassenberg, Malmesbury, during the early hours of Thursday morning.
It's understood that there are three dams on the property and that the middle dam initially burst its banks, flooding the one below and resulting in it also bursting its banks.
The Swartland Municipality said the dams are located within the municipal borders of the City of Cape Town.
"A breach in a dam on the Dassenberg property caused the flooding, which led to significant flooding in parts of Riverlands and Dassenberg. Initial reports indicate extensive damage to property and infrastructure," said municipal spokesperson Heinrich Robertson.
In a statement, the Swartland Municipality said no injuries or missing people had been reported and that efforts were ongoing to reach areas that were initially inaccessible due to the flooding.
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It added that rescue and mop-up operations had been delayed until sunrise.
Local Government MEC Anton Bredell said their main priority was to ensure that all affected people had access to clean water and essential services throughout the weekend.
Bredell urged residents to stay safe and remain vigilant, as the South African Weather Service has predicted more rainfall for the weekend.
"We ask that community members remain calm and follow the instructions of emergency officials on the ground," he said.
An Incident Command Post has been established at Riverlands Primary School, where multiple rescues have been carried out.
Victims have been treated for near-drownings and taken to nearby hospitals for observation and further treatment.
Robertson said West Coast Disaster Management was on the scene, as well as Disaster Management teams from the Swartland Municipality, which include fire, rescue and law enforcement services.
"We call on all residents to remain calm and please give their full cooperation to officials on site. We are also aware of various rumours and unsubstantiated reports being spread, creating fear and confusion," he said.
He added:
We ask residents and outside parties to refrain from spreading fake news and unsubstantiated rumours.
Gift of the Givers said teams had been dispatched for "urgent intervention".
"Gift of the Givers received calls for urgent intervention from the municipality, municipal manager, disaster management and several community members. Our teams with supplies are en route. Riverlands Primary School has been handed over to Gift of the Givers as a base from which to set out operations," said Ali Sablay of Gift of the Givers.
