The Western Cape Department of Local Government revealed in a briefing to the Standing Committee on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning today that preliminary estimates of damage from the May 2026 floods exceed R9 billion. Despite the severity of the damage, the Western Cape’s disaster risk management system proved its value with proactive planning, which saved hundreds of lives during the flooding.
The severe weather between 5 and 12 May brought 300 mm of rain and 120 km/h winds. Provincial disaster centres activated early, pre-positioning rescue teams and closing schools based on flood-risk profiling. Despite 11 fatalities, a coordinated response prevented greater tragedy: 651 rescues, 3 690 people sheltered, over 56 000 reached with humanitarian aid, 97% of power restored, and 70% of road disruptions cleared within days.
It was also revealed that tourism impacts in CapeNature reserves included 1 241 days lost and 306 bookings affected, with the potential revenue lost estimated at R2.5 million.
A written parliamentary reply from the Department of Agriculture further confirmed that over 1 400 hectares of farmland were damaged by the inclement weather, resulting in over R1.2 billion in agricultural and export losses. Consequently, 1 568 agricultural jobs were disrupted, with agricultural infrastructure damage exceeding R3.9 billion.
Dave Bryant, MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said: “The briefing shows that the DA-led Western Cape Government leads in disaster preparedness. Our officials activated Joint Operations Centres, pre-deployed rescue teams, and issued warnings that saved lives. This includes 650 rescues, thousands sheltered, and repairs started within days. The DA in the Western Cape commend every official and volunteer who kept our province safe.”
Noko Masipa, MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “Our farmers and farmworkers have shown incredible resilience, but 1 400 hectares lost, 1 500 jobs disrupted, and R3.9 billion in infrastructure damage is devastating. The DA-led Western Cape Government has activated the Rural and Sector Support structure, fast-tracked relief, and ensured commodity formations deliver aid. We will rebuild and leave no farming community behind.”
The severe weather between 5 and 12 May brought 300 mm of rain and 120 km/h winds. Provincial disaster centres activated early, pre-positioning rescue teams and closing schools based on flood-risk profiling. Despite 11 fatalities, a coordinated response prevented greater tragedy: 651 rescues, 3 690 people sheltered, over 56 000 reached with humanitarian aid, 97% of power restored, and 70% of road disruptions cleared within days.
It was also revealed that tourism impacts in CapeNature reserves included 1 241 days lost and 306 bookings affected, with the potential revenue lost estimated at R2.5 million.
A written parliamentary reply from the Department of Agriculture further confirmed that over 1 400 hectares of farmland were damaged by the inclement weather, resulting in over R1.2 billion in agricultural and export losses. Consequently, 1 568 agricultural jobs were disrupted, with agricultural infrastructure damage exceeding R3.9 billion.
Dave Bryant, MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said: “The briefing shows that the DA-led Western Cape Government leads in disaster preparedness. Our officials activated Joint Operations Centres, pre-deployed rescue teams, and issued warnings that saved lives. This includes 650 rescues, thousands sheltered, and repairs started within days. The DA in the Western Cape commend every official and volunteer who kept our province safe.”
Noko Masipa, MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “Our farmers and farmworkers have shown incredible resilience, but 1 400 hectares lost, 1 500 jobs disrupted, and R3.9 billion in infrastructure damage is devastating. The DA-led Western Cape Government has activated the Rural and Sector Support structure, fast-tracked relief, and ensured commodity formations deliver aid. We will rebuild and leave no farming community behind.”