City of Joburg warns of flash floods

The Acting Managing Director of the Johannesburg Roads Agency, Mr Mpho Kau, has cautioned City residents to be aware of the dangers of flash flooding and to take extra care when they approach low-lying bridges or come close to rivers and streams.

The JRA has identified “hotspot flood areas” in the City and took steps to mitigate the impact of sudden downpours. These include improvements to storm water drainage systems and installation of new pipes to increase the capacity of existing systems.

“Persistent heavy rains always cause concerns for the City,” says Mr Kau. “Large volumes of water are dropped within a brief period and sudden floods can occur with little or no advance warning.
“Many of our residents are unprepared for the sudden surge in water levels and streams can suddenly turn into raging torrents that tear out trees, destroy buildings and obliterate bridges,” he says.

More lives are lost in the City through flash flooding than any other weather-related incidents. Drowning is the leading cause of death with 80% of fatalities occurring among occupants of vehicles. Drivers often underestimate the dangers of flooding, especially at low-lying bridges, where as little as 30 centimetres of water can float vehicles and result in the driver losing control. There is an overall budget of R120 million for low lying bridges susceptible to periodical flooding which are now being raised above the flood line says Mr Kau.

Seven Tips that might save your life during heavy rains

1.Do  not attempt to drive through flooded areas, even if the water looks shallow enough to cross
2.Leave your vehicle if it stalls and move immediately to higher ground
3.Never drive into water that covers the road – you do not know how deep it is or whether the road underneath has been washed away
4.During heavy rains be on special alert near dips in the highway and near low-lying bridges;
5.Exercise caution, especially at night when visibility is poor

6.Pedestrians must avoid areas where water is flowing rapidly

7.Keep children away from playing in drainage ditches or storm water drains.

Kau says the JRA has mapped a number of high-risk areas in the City including Dobsonville, Green Village, Mapetla, Orlando East and West, Phiri, Doornkop, Braamfischerville, Orange Farm, Eldorado Park, Diepsloot, Ivory Park, Industria, Lenasia, Devland and North Riding.

Residents are urged to keep the storm water drains clean as blocked storm water drain can lead to flooding.