Kwatsaduza – DEMS is urging residents in low-lying areas to be alert about possible floods this week.
In recent weeks the region experienced persistent rainfall, with more predicted for this week, which leads to flooding.
Residents are urged to consider the safety of pets, livestock and themselves, as well as the safety to their personal belongings and property during this rainy period.
In a statement released by the metro, it is explained that floods can occur either with little warning or develop slowly during a rainstorm and even after it has ceased, especially in low-lying areas.
Emergency services rescue teams are ready for any eventualities that may emanate due to these weather conditions to protect and save lives at risk.
Across the City, there are several known low-lying bridges and residential areas that occasionally flood during rainy weather.
Also read: Heavy downpours expected to flood parts of Ekurhuleni
These same areas are closely monitored for any eventualities.
Such wet rainy conditions contribute detrimentally to the safety of motorists, pedestrians and residents in general.
Lives are lost due to poor driving conditions and lack of safety consideration.
Both motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to be cautious when approaching low-lying bridges.
They shouldn’t drive through or walk across when the road surface is under water.
Road users are encouraged to use an alternative route if in doubt.
Pipelines that cross rivers are not bridges; many pedestrians use them to cross.
This is a dangerous practice as pipeline surfaces are slippery, resulting in a person falling into the water below and possibly drowning.
People living in low-lying areas must always be on high alert as possible flooding may occur.
Residents are advised to monitor rising water levels and to possibly evacuate to higher areas in case the water level rises.
Also read: FLOODED ROADS: Residents urged to avoid these areas
Additional safety tips to consider:
• Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy.
• Keep to the speed limit and safe following distance.
• Do not use communication devices such as cellphones while driving.
• Monitor weather alerts on radio/television.
• Avoid driving through flooded areas and stagnant water. Water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and crash.
• Where possible, avoid contact with any floodwater.
The water may be contaminated with raw sewage, oil or other dangerous substances, and may also be charged with electricity from fallen power lines.
• Avoid building residential structures in low-lying areas.
• Illegal dumping blocks the drain systems and causes flooding, unnecessarily putting lives and property at high risk.
• Perimeter wall fencing without a base drain system prevents water from running freely out of yards, and subsequently, individual houses experience flooding.
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