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Author: Marlene Nqumse

25 October 2021 Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Yellow level 2: Damaging Winds

Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Yellow level 2: Damaging Winds

Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid From (SAST) Valid To (SAST)
Damaging Winds Yellow(L2)
(High likelihood of Minor Impacts)		 M_Bitou, M_Cape Agulhas, M_Cape Agulhas, M_City of Cape town, M_George, M_Hessequa, M_Knysna, M_Mossel Bay, M_Overstrand 26/10/21 18h00 27/10/21 00h00

Discussion: Easterly to south-easterly winds are expected to increase reaching gale force (65-75km/h) off the coast between Cape Point and Plettenberg Bay from Tuesday evening and throughout Wednesday. South-easterly to easterly swells with wave heights between 4.0-4.5m are also expected along the south coast on Wednesday afternoon. This along with the strong winds will cause rough and choppy seas as well as propagating into normally sheltered areas, that are now exposed due to the south-easterly swell direction.

Impact: Difficulty in navigation at sea due to rough and choppy conditions can be expected. Small vessels and personal water crafts (e.g. kayaks) are at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality. Localised disruption of small harbours for a short period of time may also occur.

Instruction: Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay. Ensure that all temporary structures are well anchored.

SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Cape Town Weather Office
2nd Floor: Oval Office Park
Cape Town Int airport
Freight Road
Matroosfontein
Cape Town

E-Mail: factfc@weathersa.co.za
Tel: 021 935 5700

13 October 2021 Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Yellow level 2: Damaging Winds

Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

Hazard Alert Level Affected Municipalities Valid From (SAST) Valid To (SAST)
 Damaging Winds Yellow(L2)
(High likelihood of Minor Impacts)		 M_Bitou, M_Cape Agulhas, M_Cape Agulhas, M_City of Cape town, M_George, M_Hessequa, M_Knysna, M_Mossel Bay, M_Overstrand, M_Table Bay 13/10/21 18h00 17/10/21 00h00

Discussion: A series of cold fronts are expected on Thursday and Saturday over the south western parts of the country. Resulting in strong to gale force ( NW/W 60-75km/h) winds along the south-western coastal regions on Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, and again on Saturday afternoon until Sunday morning between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay. Alongside, wave heights of 4.0 to 5.0m are expected Thursday morning along the south-western coast, reaching 4.5 to 5.5m Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning between Table Bay and Plettenberg Bay.

Impact: Difficulty in navigation at sea for small to medium vessels and personal watercraft (e.g. kayaks) can be expected. Choppy and rough seas may lead to vessels taking on water and capsizing in the locality. Localised disruption to harbours and beachfront activities is also likely.

Instruction: Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary or protected bay.

SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Cape Town Weather Office
2nd Floor: Oval Office Park
Cape Town Int airport
Freight Road
Matroosfontein
Cape Town

E-Mail: factfc@weathersa.co.za
Tel: 021 935 5700

 

WC_IBF_DM_Warning_Damaging_Winds_L2_13102021

13 October 2021 Impact Based Weather Warnings for Western Cape and Namaqua: Veld Fire Conditions

Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

 

Hazard Affected Municipalities Valid From (SAST) Valid To (SAST)
Veld Fire Conditions Beaufort West, Bergrivier, Cederberg, Hantam, Kamiesberg, Kannaland, Karoo Hoogland, Khâi-Ma, Laingsburg, Matzikama, Nama Khoi, Oudtshoorn, Prince Albert 12/10/21 08h00 13/10/21 18h00

 Discussion: The warm temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds could result in the development of runaway and veld/bush fires.

Impact: Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75. Under these conditions, fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.

Instruction: Fireteams, labour and equipment are to be placed on stand-by. The first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time.

SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Cape Town Weather Office
2nd Floor: Oval Office Park
Cape Town Int airport
Freight Road
Matroosfontein
Cape Town

E-Mail: factfc@weathersa.co.za
Tel: 021 935 5700

6 October 2021 Media Release: Get your vaccine now for a safe summer season

6 October 2021

Media release: Get your vaccine now for a safe summer season

Those who have not yet received their vaccine should do so now. If you want to be fully vaccinated by 1 December, the start of the festive season, you will need to:

  • Receive your first dose of Pfizer by no later than 20 October 2021.
  • Receive your second dose 42 days after. This means that you will have received your second dose by 1 December 2021 latest.

It takes approximately two weeks from full vaccination (after your second jab) for you to develop maximum immune protection. This means if you get your second jab on 1 December, you will have the best possible protection from around 14 December – just around the time that many people have planned to start their festive season plans.

Western Cape Government Health has set December as the target to ensure that residents have a summer that they can look forward to and aims to fully vaccinate 70% of those over 50 years old by December and 70% of the eligible population with at least one dose.

The recently held Vooma vaccination weekend drive saw 59 429 vaccines administered in the Western Cape of which 1104 were administered in the Garden Route.

“Although the turn-out was much less than anticipated, we commend every person who came for their vaccination, despite rainy and very cold weather. We want to encourage our communities to take up the offer of vaccination as it has been demonstrated to offer significant protection against severe COVID related disease and death”, said Mr Zee Brickles (Health Director: Garden Route and Central Karoo).

“We all want to enjoy the festive season which is why I have also launched the jabs b4jol campaign to encourage especially young people to get vaccinated. Vaccines are safe and very effective. We are seeing a lot fewer hospitalisations and deaths in people who get vaccinated. While some people have minor reactions after getting vaccinated like headaches or fever, these are often easily managed at home, and the benefit of getting vaccinated is much greater than being unvaccinated and getting COVID-19. Please use any one of our vaccine sites. Many who are 18 years and older, who received their jabs from 20 August, are now eligible for their second shot. Please do not hesitate, fully vaccinate”, said Minister of Health, Dr Mbombo.

Caption: Walk-about at Harry Comay Hospital’s Vooma vaccination site from left front: Mr Jewel Jonkers (Director Education Garden Route), Mr Memory Booysen (Garden Route mayor), Sr Linda Geweld (Nursing Manager Harry Comay Hospital),  Back: Dr Terence Marshall (Health), Mr Zee Brickles (Health Director: Garden Route and Central Karoo District), Mr Leon van Wyk (George mayor), Dr Zilla North (medical manager George subdistrict)

-End-

Nadia Ferreira

Principal Communications Officer

Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts

Western Cape Government Health

Email: Nadia.Ferreira@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za

1 October 2021 Media Release: Take action during Breast Cancer Awareness month

Take action during Breast Cancer Awareness month

For Immediate Release
1 October 2021

Annually, October marks “Breast Cancer Awareness month”. During this month awareness about the risks and signs of breast cancer are shared with the broader public and through this, support to those affected by it is also supported.

According to studies, early detection remains the cornerstone of controlling cancer. This means, early and adequate diagnosis can lead to effective treatment, resulting in an excellent chance to cure breast cancer. Therefore, women must empower themselves with the knowledge to lower their health risks and be able to take action to address the warning signs of cancer as early as possible.

In South Africa, breast cancer is known to be one of the most common cancers among women of all races. All women are at risk, particularly women with a family history of breast cancer. Approximately 90% of patients survive breast cancer after diagnosis during early detection, but this should be 100% – a whole of society approach is required for this to be achieved.

South Africans are lucky to have an organisation like CANSA (Cancer Association of South Africa) involved in lowering cancer risks and providing an integrated service to all people affected by cancer. CANSA continuously supplies the public with information and support. They are committed to offering day-to-day help, including emotional support to the patients. In addition, they strive to ensure that cancer survivors and their loved ones don’t have to face cancer alone.

In support of “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”, women are encouraged to go for annual medical check-ups and cancer screening; and familiarise themselves with the early warning signs and symptoms of cancer. It is also crucial for women to regularly check their breasts and visit health care practitioners if changes are noticed. Awareness of risk factors can help women reduce their cancer risk.

The following are common breast cancer signs and symptoms, which include:

  • a lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit – you might feel the lump but not see it;
  • a change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling;
  • a change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed;
  • a change to the nipple, for example, it has become pulled in (inverted);
  • rash or crusting around the nipple;
  • any unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple; and
  • changes in the size or shape of the breast.

Women must develop the habit of regularly checking their breasts, including the upper chest areas and armpits. It’s simple using the TLC technique (Touch Look Check).

  • Touch your breasts: can you feel anything unusual?
  • Look for changes: does anything look different?
  • Check any changes with your GP

Remember, awareness of the symptoms and early detection can result in an early diagnosis, resulting in improved treatment outcomes. It is in a woman’s nature to generally put others first – BUT, women need to realise that they too have the right to prioritise their own health.

30 September 2021 Media Release: Garden Route DM’s long-awaited fire station is coming soon

Garden Route DM’s long-awaited fire station is coming soon

For Immediate Release
30 September 2021

During a Council meeting the Garden Route District Municipal (GRDM) Council took an in-principle decision to proceed with the proposed plan to build a District Fire Station in George. This decision was taken subject to a supporting Council decision from the George Municipality, who subsequently resolved that property would be donated to the GRDM for the construction of such a premises.

According to the GRDM Acting Fire Chief, Mr Johan Brand, the original plan was for the GRDM Fire Services to move from George to Mossel Bay because GRDM has property in Mossel Bay and logistically it would be advantageous to do so. However, after a thorough investigation, consultation, and calculations, the move was reconsidered because of the impact it would have on personnel and their families.

For the GRDM to have its own fire station is a considerable upgrade for the institution, especially one built according to SA Regulations and Standards for fire stations.  The proposed fire station will be furnished with overhead automotive roll-up doors, a traditional firefighter sliding pole, a backup electricity generator, firefighters sleeping quarters and a fully equipped gym.   The GRDM never had their own fire station, and years ago, they had to operate fire services from a makeshift base consisting of tents.

The GRDM Fire and Rescue Services is pleased and excited about the new fire station. “We aim to start construction by the end of 2021 and foresee that it will take about a year for the construction to be completed,” said Mr Brand.

The new GRDM Fire Station will cover 5 877 m2, situated on erven 22494 & 22495, Pearl Street in the Tamsui Industria, George.

Photo Credit:dusanpetkovic