The death toll caused by floods in Cape Town has risen to eleven and more people are reported to be still missing. Authorities have warned that when the floodwaters recede, the death toll might increase.
TRAGEDY
The Emergency Services reported on Tuesday that floods brought on by days of heavy rains in informal settlements close to the Cape Town metro resulted in the electrocution of eight individuals, including four children, in two separate incidents.
SEARCH CONTINUES
According to Provincial Cabinet Minister, Anton Bredell, who is in charge of environmental affairs, helicopters were searching for some people who had been trapped. "We expect the worst there. The destructive rains, which stopped on Monday came a week after the region experienced larger-than-normal spring tides, however we are still dealing with the after effects caused by the damaging floods," Antony Bredell said. According to the Cape Town Disaster Risk Management Centre, 12,000 people were affected, but a further 80,000 people were left without electricity, according to the national power utility. The mayor of Cape Town signed a major incident declaration for additional resources and relief measures as 80 roads have been closed, 200 farm workers have been stranded and rail services have been suspended.