Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue Services says it’s ready after weather service issues flood warning
The municipal spokesman said the Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue Services plays a vital role during flood events by rescuing members of the public who may be trapped in their homes, pumping out flooded properties, and recovering stranded vehicles.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a press release indicating expected flooding accompanied by generally frigid conditions in the Highveld over the weekend of April 8-11.
Rainy and cold conditions are expected.
Other provinces expected to be particularly affected include the eastern parts of the Northern and Eastern Cape, Free State, North-West, Gauteng as well as KwaZulu-Natal.
As a result of these wet conditions, flooding is likely to affect agriculture, infrastructure, and settlements over the Highveld area on Saturday.
SAWS indicated that this wet spell will be accompanied by cold to very cold conditions over the southern and south-eastern interior of the country on Friday, spreading to the central and eastern interior by Saturday.
Moreover, light snowfalls can be expected over the eastern and southern parts of Lesotho and the surrounding Drakensberg mountains on Saturday evening as well as overnight Sunday night.
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SAWS strongly urges the public to avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams, especially in cases where the water is more than ankle-deep.
SAWS also recommends moving to higher ground if rising floodwaters threaten one’s safety.
Highvelder reached out to Msukaligwa Municipal spokesman, Mr Mandla Zwane to enquire about their readiness should flooding occur.
He said the Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue Services play a vital role during floods by rescuing members of the public who may be trapped in their homes, pumping out flooded properties, and recovering stranded vehicles.
“However, many would not require this assistance, if they had been better prepared prior to a flood.
“The municipality would regardless thereof like to reassure the community that its fire department is ready to respond to any flooding incidents.”
Furthermore, he urged motorists to take the utmost precaution and to avoid low-lying bridges that may flood.
“Let’s also be considerate of other road users,” he concluded
