Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 06-06-2017
The Western Cape Education department says all schools in the Western Cape will be closed on Wednesday following repeated warnings of adverse weather conditions in the province.
The South African Weather Service issued a severe weather warning for flash flooding, hail, and gale force winds in the Western Cape on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
High wind speeds of up to 90km/h or higher are possible, with rainfall of up to 50mm within 24 hours in certain areas.
James-Brent Styan‚ spokesman for local government‚ environmental affairs and development planning MEC Anton Bredell says the decision to shut schools was taken on Tuesday as the Western Cape administration advised people to stay at home if possible because of “severe weather conditions” from the storm.
“We are afraid of situations where children are going to be caught in flash floods. We are worried about gale-force winds and about the rural areas‚ where mudslides and roads could be washed away. We’ve been advised that it’s safer and a better call to be proactive and close the schools.”
Styan say disaster management is preparing for the worst and is also ensuring that all the necessary precautions and operational plans are in place.
“While our rescue agencies are well equipped and prepared to handle disasters, we strongly advise members of the public to stay off the roads and remain indoors. It is imperative that all measures are taken to avoid any harm or possible loss of life.”
Styan says they will also be working closely with radio and television stations to provide official updates.
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