Johannesburg – Disaster Management teams are on high alert across the country amid the continuing heavy rains, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) said Saturday,
Due to heavy downpours, many areas are flooded, rivers are overflowing across a number of provinces, people have lost property.
The heavy rains have damaged roads and bridges. Vehicles have been submerged and swept away.
In some flooded areas, residents are trapped on roofs. Many shacks and houses were destroyed.
COGTA Minister Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma urged communities to be cautious.
“The National Disaster Management Center is in contact with provincial and local disaster management centres on the ground and coordinating with all the role players as the heavy down pours continue,” said the department.
“The disaster teams will continue to monitor the situation and give support on an ongoing basis.”
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned the ground in many other areas that has been receiving rains is already saturated, hence the need to be extra vigilant.
“There are areas that are known to be prone to flooding as such communities are requested to treat these and all other areas as posing potential danger and desist from endangering their lives,” warned SAWS.
SAWS said the adverse weather conditions were still not showing any signs of stopping.
“The public is therefore urged to follow the regular updates and warning messages from the SAWS as it monitors the weather and climate conditions,” the COGTA department said,
“The minister urges communities across the country to provide assistance to those in need and affected by the flooding, especially those displaced as they lost homes, whilst are flooded and not conducive for human occupation.
“Those who are able to donate basic necessities are encouraged to assist working with municipalities and affected communities themselves.
“We urge you to be vigilant, cautious, and to heed the calls from relevant authorities.”
Safety tips:
- People living in low-lying areas must take special care during storms, as sudden floods might affect them. They should monitor the rising water levels and evacuate the areas to a safer place or higher spot when the water level rises.
- Do not cross through flooded roads or bridges – use other routes.
- Avoid crossing low-lying bridges, streams and rivers.
- Never try to walk, swim or drive in swift-flowing water. Even if the water is 15 cm deep, it can sweep you off your feet;
- Motorists must be very careful and avoid driving through flooded areas.
- Drive to and park in safer areas.
- The public must monitor weather alerts on radio and television.
- The public should contact their municipal disaster management centres or the nearest police station or call the national emergency numbers (112, 10177 or 107) when faced with threats.
- Do not try to drive over a low-water bridge if water is flowing strongly across it and the ground is not visible.
- Teach your children about the dangers of floods.
- Keep your important documents in a water-resistant container.
- Keep your cell phone in close proximity to you and have emergency numbers at hand.
- Be especially vigilant at night. It is harder to recognise potentially deadly road hazards.
- Do not camp or park your car along rivers or washes, especially during heavy rains or thunderstorms.
- If you are on foot, be aware that low moving water can also be dangerous during flood conditions. If you come upon moving water, do not walk into it.
- Where possible, communities are encouraged to try to avoid contact with any flood waters.
- The water may be contaminated with raw sewage, oil or other dangerous substances, and may also be charged with electricity from fallen powerlines.
