Pretoria - The City of Johannesburg says it is working around the clock to help communities that were affected by the flash floods.
Four people have been confirmed dead following Wednesday’s flash floods, which washed across Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni. Flooding was reported in areas like Alexandra, Midrand, Bedfordview, Bryanston, Sandton, Edenvale and Johannesburg central. A three-year-old girl is missing in Alexandra and the search is still underway.
City of Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba says the relevant departments and entities are currently on the ground providing disaster response services.
“Our teams have been working throughout the night providing assistance to the most vulnerable in our city,” Mashaba said on Thursday.
The city’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) team is providing emergency medical care, as well as search and rescue services.
The Disaster Management team is facilitating temporary accommodation and relief supplies to victims, while Social Development, with the help of NGOs and provincial government, is handing out blankets and food parcels to those who have lost their belongings.
The Johannesburg Road Agency (JRA) is now assessing the damage to infrastructure, clearing debris, silt and other obstructions on roads, bridges and storm water drainage systems.
Mayor Mashaba lamented that the poorest residents are worst affected during natural disasters, something that must be urgently addressed.
“I will be visiting Alexandra, which has been one of the worst affected areas following the flash floods. It has been reported that close to 200 families lost their homes in Setswetla alone.”
The Mayor said the flash floods were beyond the capacity of the city’s storm water systems.
“Unfortunately, any severe storm or flash flooding that occurs will result in isolated flooding, as the road infrastructure is not designed for these severities. However, I wish to assure the public that JRA is working tirelessly to resolve blockages and repair faulty traffic lights resulting from the flash flood.”
Johannesburg Metro Police Department officers have also been deployed to assist with traffic control at affected intersections. - SAnews.gov.za
