Eight people have been electrocuted after gale force winds and heavy rainfall lashed South Africa’s Western Cape province.

Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes, including residents of a retirement village.

Landslides and rockfalls forced the closure of a number of major roads leading into Cape Town.

Heavy downpours, which continued until late last night, caused several rivers to overflow, resulting in the destruction of infrastructure and widespread electricity outages.

Authorities have said that more than 1,000 homes were flooded and 150 schools damaged.

Weather conditions have slightly improved and mop up operations are under way.