“The ground is becoming saturated and subsequently, flooding is highly possible,” said William Ntladi, spokesperson for Ekurhuleni Emergency Services.
“Parents are encouraged to accompany children going to school for the official closure of the schools tomorrow.
“Moreover, those walking past trenches, crossing rivers, water tunnels, and culverts must be extra careful for safety reasons.”
Ntladi said people should also avoid crossing low lying bridges and swollen streams where water is above ankle level.
“Open water streams spell danger in such weather as water levels are high,” he said.
He also said that during the summer season, another challenge experienced by emergency services was drowning.
“Parents need to be extra cautious, alert and know the whereabouts of their children,” Ntladi said.
“Heavy rain may also result in rivers, low lying bridges, open trenches, furrows and even canals to flood causing damage downstream to areas that may receive no rainfall at all during the flooding event.”
Ntladi advised the public to listen to the radio or watch television stations for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officials.
In the event of an emergency, contact: 011 458 0911 (direct emergency line); cellphone 112, or the national emergency number 10177.
•Ensure that you have the emergency call centre contact numbers readily and clearly displayed for everyone to see and use.
•Numbers should be saved and easy to access on your telephone or cellular phone.
•Speak clearly on the phone when reporting an emergency.
•Provide the operators with all the necessary details required.
•Do not end the conversation until all questions have been answered.
“Call us on time and we arrive on time,” Ntladi said.
Also read: Ekurhuleni receives more ambulances
Toddler sustains burns during tonsil removal
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
