Western Cape Faces Disaster as Fires and Water Shortage Gro

Authorities in the Western Cape Province of South Africa are preparing to ask the national government to declare the province a disaster area. The move comes as large wildfires and a growing water shortage are putting heavy pressure on resources.

Provincial official Anton Bredell said the situation is especially serious in the Knysna Municipality, where residents are being asked to limit water use to only 50 litres per person per day. Officials warn that the town is currently using more water than it can supply, raising fears of a possible “Day Zero,” when water supplies could run out.

At the same time, intense wildfires have already burned more than 100,000 hectares of land across the province. Major fires in the Overstrand and Cape Winelands regions required more than 500 firefighters to protect communities and natural areas.

If the disaster declaration is approved by the National Disaster Management Centre, the provincial government will be able to move funds faster between departments and strengthen its response to the crisis. Officials warn that the fire season could continue until April or May due to ongoing hot and dry weather.

Source: Newstimehub