Floods and heavy rains affect communities in the Western Cape
Following severe weather conditions across the Western Cape, Islamic Relief South Africa is providing emergency relief to support vulnerable families affected by heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds, and cold temperatures. These conditions have placed significant pressure on communities, particularly those living in informal settlements and flood-prone areas, where homes, belongings, and livelihoods are at risk.
Working in coordination with Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and relevant stakeholders, we have begun responding to the needs of displaced households in areas such as Kampies in Philippi. As part of the immediate response, teams are distributing thousands of hot meals to families who have been affected by the severe weather conditions.
Assessments are currently ongoing across Kampies and other impacted communities to better understand the scale of the damage and the needs of affected households. As the situation continues to develop, further humanitarian assistance will include the provision of food aid, clean drinking water, and essential flood relief items such as mattresses, blankets, and hygiene kits to support families during this difficult period.
Providing lifesaving aid and hope during times of crises
When an emergency strikes, Islamic Relief aims to be the first on the ground, to provide emergency relief and help those affected immediately.
Global and local emergencies place the lives of entire populations in jeopardy with devastating long-term effects. Our Local Emergencies Fund ensures that we can respond to disasters within 72 hours to assist with the recovery to help rebuild lives.
At Islamic Relief, we not only save lives, we help rebuild them – we stick around even after the situation has calmed, helping families put their lives back together again. Where people are affected by the same disasters over and over, we think about how to prepare these people before an emergency strikes.
Fires sweep through Masiphumelele in the Western Cape
Approximately 82 structures and 450 people were affected by a blaze that broke out on Monday, 23 December 2024, in Masiphumelele, in Cape Town.
Electricity to the area – which was shut off to mitigate any potential risk from overhead wires – has since been reconnected and the fire site has been secured.
National and provincial government facilitated clean up, ensuring that affected homeowners received building materials, and that psychosocial support was made available.
As a humanitarian relief partner to the City of Cape Town, Islamic Relief collaborated with other non-profit organisations to provide hot meals for seven days, to those affected by the fires. Food parcels were also provided after structures were rebuilt.
