The Western Cape has declared a provincial disaster following intense storms that claimed three lives across the Cape Town area. Acting Premier Ivan Meyer confirmed that the fatalities resulted from falling trees hitting vehicles and individuals drowning while trying to navigate flooded rivers

Gale-force winds and heavy rain have caused significant destruction, including power cuts, uprooted trees, and flooding throughout the Overberg, Garden Route, West Coast, Cape Winelands, and the Cape Town metro. In response, disaster management teams and joint operating centres have transitioned to 24-hour operations to provide emergency relief. Authorities have warned that dangerous sea conditions, high winds, and further downpours are expected to continue