Communities across the Western Cape are mobilising in a show of solidarity, responding to calls for urgent disaster relief following the severe storms that have battered the region.
Local authorities and non-profit organisations are coordinating efforts to assist those affected by flooding, power outages, and infrastructural damage as a result of the storm yesterday, Monday, May 11.
The City of Cape Town's disaster risk management spokesperson, Charlotte Powell, has urged residents to contribute non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, blankets, bedding, nappies, and baby formula.
"Anyone who wishes to donate general relief efforts, but also just to ease the load on the City's NGO partners, is encouraged to do so," she said.
The designated drop-off points are at the following fire stations: Bellville, on Belrail Road; Goodwood, corner of Hugo Street and Frans Conradie Drive; Lakeside, corner of Main and Approach Road; Milnerton, Koeberg Road; Ottery, corner of New Ottery Road and Strandfontein Road; CBD, in Roeland Street; Strand, corner of Broadway Boulevard and George Street; and Hout Bay, on Main Road.
Mustadafin Foundation director Ghairunisa Johnstone Cassiem said communities were badly affected by the weather and its devastation, and that no donation was too small.
"Every item in good condition will reach a family in need, with dignity," she said.
Ms Johnstone Cassiem stated that teams were delivering emergency aid on the ground, but they need help from the community.
"Our communities are underwater. Homes flooded. Families displaced. Children cold and hungry."
To drop off, contact the foundation by calling or texting their WhatsApp line 021 633 0010.
Meanwhile, the board of directors of Community Chest of the Western Cape has committed R500 000 towards disaster relief for the current financial year.
Chest chief executive officer Peter Heeger said: “The scale of the disaster requires a united response. Every donation will help provide critical support to affected families.”
The organisation is calling for donations of food, blankets, clothing, toiletries, and other essential items that can be dropped off at their office, 82 Bree Street, in Cape Town; or call 021 487 1500.
The Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has also been inundated with emergency calls.
The rescue team is active in the hardest hit areas, including Parkwood, Masiphumelele, Bonnytoun, Lwandle, Macassar, Bloekombos, Athlone, Schaapkraal, Philippi, and Delft, where roads are flooded, debris is obstructing access routes, and animals are being found exposed to the elements.
SPCA spokeswoman Belinda Abraham said that their phones have not stopped ringing.
"Behind every emergency call is a suffering animal, shivering without shelter, trapped on a chain, injured, displaced, or simply abandoned to endure the storm alone," she said.
The mobile clinic services have been temporarily suspended, with vehicles, personnel, and resources reassigned to emergency disaster response operations.
Ms Abrahams said that no animal should be left outside without shelter.
"If your dog is wet, cold, and exposed to wind and rain, that animal is suffering. Bring them inside. Lift kennels off flooded ground, and ensure bedding is dry. These small actions save lives during storms like this," she said.
Donations to support ongoing flood rescue and relief efforts can be made to the SPCA's flood crisis response fund.
Residents can report animals in distress or request evacuation assistance 24 hours a day by calling 021 700 4152, 021 700 4159, or WhatsApp at 021 700 4140.