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Tree emergencies: 108 incidents and counting in 48 hours

The Recreation and Parks Department’s after-hours tree emergency teams fielded at least 108 calls this weekend of trees that had fallen over as a result of strong winds. The number of calls exceeds the total number of incidents attended to during a three-month period in winter 2023, which was 76.

The highest number of calls came from the City Bowl and southern suburbs, as well as the Helderberg Basin, including Firgrove, Strand, Somerset West and Gordon's Bay. While not nearly as prolific as the number of incidents during another extreme weather spell towards the end of September last year, when nearly 150 incidents were logged, the tree emergency teams have been well and truly tested this time around. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/A%20tree%20incident%20in%20the%20Helderberg.jpeg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:802px;" /> </figure>They are working their way through 108 incidents – which is more than what was reported during the traditional winter period last year.'The number of tree incidents are an indication of the severity of this frontal system, and a key reminder of why our tree emergency teams are such a critical component. These men and women are out in the elements, to clear obstructions and make areas safe for the public. They have had an incredibly busy weekend, and will continue working until all of the incidents have been cleared. The teams are very experienced, as we have seen in seasons gone by, and while this weather episode has had devastating impacts, it has also presented an opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for winter,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Another%20tree%20incident%20in%20the%20Heldberg.jpeg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:802px;" /> </figure>The City's Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for the removal of trees on municipal roads and public open spaces.The time to clear an incident varies, depending on a number of factors, including:<ul><li>Mitigating the risk factors around public safety including major roads.</li><li>The potential loss of lives and severe damage to property. </li><li>The size of the tree causing the obstruction and the level of effort and equipment required to remove it.</li><li>The traffic volumes on the route (if it is a major arterial route, then it will likely take priority), and whether it is safe for staff to conduct the work (prevailing weather conditions, are there live electrical wires on the site etc.) </li></ul> <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Rugley%20Road%20Park%20in%20Gardens.jpeg" class="responsive" alt="" style="width:800px;" /> </figure>Residents are urged to report any tree emergencies to the City's Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cell phone or 107 from a landline. End

2024-04-07T22:00:00Z

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