MAJOR STORM HITTING BETTY’S BAY   a. Western Cape: The Cape was hit by two devastating storms that claimed 11 lives and caused widespread flooding. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has welcomed the classification of a provincial disaster following the severe weather that battered large parts of the province last week. Thousands of people have been left destitute, while several communities remain cut off after bridges and roads were washed away. Critical infrastructure was also damaged, affecting water and electricity services. The Western Cape government said the classification is a key step towards the formal declaration of a provincial disaster. This will help unlock additional funding for emergency response and recovery efforts. Premier Alan Winde said urgent funding is needed to assist affected communities and restore essential services. "Cabinet noted that the provincial response has now shifted toward ongoing humanitarian relief, repair of critical infrastructure, and the restoration of essential services," said Premier spokesperson Regan Thaw. The province said the full cost of the damage is still being assessed, but it could run into billions of rand.   b....

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