Yesterday afternoon’s (November 10) heavy rainfall rendered driving on the stretch of Trichardts Road underneath the railway bridge, next to the lake, a nightmare.
A video, taken by Juandré Voster and posted on his social media page The Weather Hooligan, shows vehicles battling to drive along the flooded stretch of road.
One of the cars is seen stuck in the waterlogged road and being assisted by tow truck drivers to escape the water.
DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi said the city’s emergency services remain on high alert as the South African Weather Services warned that more rains are expected over the weekend.
He said well-known flood-prone areas such as subway bridges, across the city and low-lying residential areas, are closely monitored by DEMS.
He pointed out that hotspots in Boksburg are the area around the Trichardts bridge next to the Boksburg Lake, the railway line bridge on Hospital Road, and some low-lying areas in Ramaphosa.
The metro has not responded to our request for comment on the cause of the flooding underneath the railway bridge.
Ntladi shared the following safety tips:
• Following distances must be increased due to wet road surfaces.
• Water on your windscreen makes other vehicles, road signs, pedestrians and the road more difficult to see.
• Pools can form on the road surface and if you’re not careful, you could be at risk of skidding.
• Wet road surfaces can cause tyres to hydroplane (skim on a thin layer of water). Keep minimal speed.
• Wind creates additional problems for drivers as it reduces steering control. Keep both your hands on the steering wheel for better control at all times (usage of cellphones is still far too common practice by motorists which it’s a dangerous practice to both motorists and pedestrians).
• Keep your eyes on the road at all times. Would you know what to do if you were trapped in a flash flood?
• Keep calm and think swiftly.
• If you’re caught in a flash flood, do not drive through or over a flooded road or bridge. Turn back and try a higher route and don’t stay in the flooded area.
• If your vehicle is surrounded by water, get out and seek higher ground.
• Do not try to drive over a low-lying water bridge if water is flowing strongly across it.
• If you are stranded in a tree or building, don’t leave it to enter the flood water. Make an alarm and wait for rescuers.
Residents and pedestrians precautions:
• People living in low-lying areas should take special care during heavy downpours, as sudden floods might affect them.
• Residents living next to rivers and streams must evacuate to a safer place or higher spot when the water level rises.
• Never try to walk, swim or drive in swift-flowing water; even if the water is ankle-deep, it can sweep you off.
• Teach your children not to swim in rivers, streams and ponds in open areas.
• Pipes across water streams are not pedestrian bridges, use the correct pedestrian or vehicle bridges for safety reasons.
DEMS is always prepared to respond timeously to all incidents within the metro. In case of emergencies, call 011 458 0911 (city`s call centre number), 10177 or cellphone emergency number 112.
Also Read: Heavy rain and flooding – what you need to know
Also Read; How to keep safe during flooding
