JOHANNESBURG, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Various parts of South Africa's Western Cape Province were hit by heavy rains from Sunday to Monday, leaving many people homeless and causing widespread disruptions and damages, said a senior official of the provincial government Monday.
"Widespread disruptions and damages, including loss of shelter in informal settlements, localized flooding, fallen trees, electricity outages, and road closures due to snow or flooding, were reported during our meeting on Monday," said Anton Bredell, an official from the province's department for local government, environmental affairs and development planning.
Significant rainfall was recorded in several towns in the Western Cape, including Ceres, which received some 123 mm of rainfall and Elgin Grabouw, which received 84 mm, according to Bredell.
The provincial Department of Education said heavy rains and strong winds have caused damage to 29 schools in the province.
While authorities are still monitoring the situation, local media reported that the heavy rains have displaced more than 4,000 families.
The provincial government and the national Department of Human Settlements are working together to assist those who have lost homes as a series of cold fronts are still on track to land, resulting in a week of wet and cold conditions, said Bredell.
