Persistent rainfall may cause floods warns City of Ekurhuleni

As a result floods can occur either with little warning or develop slowly during the rain and even after it has ceased, moreover in the low-lying areas.

City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) cautions residents to look after their belongings, property and personal safety and that of their pets and livestock.

ALSO READ: Hospices playing a vital role during Covid-19

According to the statement emergency services rescue teams are ready for any eventualities that may emanate due to these weather conditions to protect and save lives at risk.

Several areas with known low-lying bridges across the city is being closely monitored and residential areas that occasionally flood during the rain.

Rainy conditions contribute detrimentally to the safety of motorists, pedestrians and residents in general. Often lives are lost due to poor driving conditions and lack of safety.

All road users are encouraged to be cautious when approaching low lying bridges. Motorists and pedestrians shouldn’t drive through or walk across when the road surface is under the water. The 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 flooded water stream below and possibly drowning. It is better to take the longer safer route.

People living in low-lying areas must always be on high alert as possible flooding may occur. Monitor rising water levels and possible evacuation to higher spots in case the water level rises is advised.

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 cell phones 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 should avoid contact with any floodwaters. 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 on low lying areas.
• Illegal dumping blocks the draining 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 the yards, and subsequently, individual houses experience flooding.

ALSO READ: Be vigilant when using free public Wi-Fi

In case of any emergency contact:

City of Ekurhuleni Call Centre number: 011-458-0911

Land Line toll free number: 10177

Cell-Phone toll free number: 112

Also follow us on: