WATCH: 10th sluice gate opened at the Vaal Dam

There were cheers from curious onlookers as the 10th sluice gate at the Vaal Dam opened on Friday afternoon.

The day started with six gates open, but by 1pm that number had nearly doubled. Water levels at the dam have now reaching a critical 118.48% capacity.

Residents lined up on a nearby bridge with a view of the Vaal Dam wall to watch the moment the 10th gate opened.

While the opening of the gates will ease dam levels, there has been a warning about flooding in low-lying areas downstream.

Midvaal councillor Pieter Swart has issued an urgent warning to residents about the escalating situation.

“A lot has changed,” Swart told The Citizen on Friday.

“The heavy rains have necessitated the department of water and sanitation to open more sluice gates and there are numerous reports of flooding downstream.”

ALSO READ: WATCH: Several parts of KZN flooded after heavy downpours

Who will be affected by the opening of the 10th sluice gate?

Swart added that “anyone on the river banks from the dam wall to Bloemhof Dam and then downstream of Bloemhof Dam, should be cautious” of flooding.

“Residents who know they are in low-lying areas next to the river should abide by recommendations by authorities to evacuate if necessary.

“With 10 sluices to be open by later today, a lot of water is flowing downstream, a lot more than what is already flowing.

“Please take the necessary precautions for all low-lying pump and electrical installations, animals, boats, rafts and the like adjacent to the river, as well as the evacuation and securing of houses directly on the riverbank.”

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