Flash floods claim four lives

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Pretoria - Four people have been confirmed dead following Wednesday’s flash floods which washed across Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.

Flooding was reported in other areas like Alexandra Township, Midrand, Bedfordview, Bryanston, Sandton, Edenvale and Johannesburg central. 

Scores of vehicles were swept away on the N3 highway and in Kempton Park while many houses were flooded in the afternoon floods.

Traffic was affected as some roads were submerged during the rush-hour traffic -including the entry road to the OR Tambo International Airport - leading to flights being delayed.

At the Johannesburg Zoo, a portion of the wall facing Jan Smuts Avenue collapsed.

The Gauteng Provincial Government has since expressed sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and regrets the inconvenience caused to motorists.

“Government will do everything possible to clear the affected roads. The Gauteng government has activated the Johannesburg disaster management centre to coordinate government efforts to investigate the extent of damage and any need for assistance,” Gauteng government spokesperson Thabo Masebe said on Thursday.

The team is looking at houses and informal settlements that have been affected. Masebe said special attention has been given to areas like Alexandra Township, particularly the areas along Jukskei River.

City of Johannesburg’s Managing Director of Johannesburg Road Agency, Shaun Philips, in an interview with Talk Radio 702 said although the roads have storm water drainage - they are however not designed to cope with unusual rain storms.

“When we get unusual floods like last night, our drainage system does over flood,” he said, adding that the drains are regularly maintained and cleared during the dry season.

Phillips urged motorists to avoid areas where flooding was reported as some roads were closed.

“Motorists shouldn’t try to drive through deep waters. They should rather stop on the side of the road.”

More heavy rains are expected today. – SAnews.gov.za