Pretoria - Government has called on communities to exercise caution as the South African Weather Service has reported that further heavy rainfall is expected today and on Friday in many parts of the country.
According to a statement issued by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the South African Weather Service has warned that heavy rains can be expected over the eastern Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, eastern North West and Limpopo until the weekend.
This comes after Gauteng on Wednesday experienced torrential rains that affected many residents and subsequently led to loss of life and property.
“Severe rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, which resulted in major flash flooding in Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces affecting low lying areas and bridges, was experienced.
“The rains negatively affected a number of households, both in formal and informal settlements. Bridge structures and roads have also been negatively affected, causing entrapment of different vehicles along the N3 highway.
“Some communities in Ekurhuleni Metro and the City of Johannesburg were reportedly displaced, especially in informal areas. Government would like to convey its sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives during the flooding yesterday,” said the department.
Due to the magnitude of the incident, the department said Disaster Management teams have been put on alert across the country, especially in areas where more rains are expected. The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) is in contact with provincial and local disaster management teams on the ground to monitor the situation and give support.
Tips for residents
The National Disaster Management Centre has requested the public to be cautious and avoid crossing low lying bridges, streams and rivers.
Motorist are advised to be very careful and avoid driving in flooded areas and park in safer areas. People living in low lying areas or flood plains should monitor the rising water levels and evacuate the areas as and when threatened.
The public should monitor weather alerts through the radios and television, and the public should contact their municipal disaster management centres or the nearest police station when faced with threats.
“Communities are cautioned of the possibility of severe thunderstorms, which could include flooding, heavy downpours with strong winds and hail. These conditions are expected to continue until the weekend and communities are requested to take precaution,” the Weather Service said.
Drought continues
South Africa continues to experience drought conditions across the country, characterised by the inconsistent rainfall rates and excessive heat conditions.
Government has urged South Africans to continue to use water sparingly and to not be deceived by the current downpours and think that the drought is over.
“It is important to note that it will take a longer period for the country to recover fully from the severe drought and all the challenges it has brought with it such as food shortages, lack of drinking water, death of livestock and others.
“As government, we endeavour to do everything possible to assist communities, but we urge everyone to be extremely vigilant, especially in the coming three days and beyond amid the heavy rains expected.” - SAnews.gov.za
