Read more
The Vaal Dam level has increased by approximately 6.36 percentage points in 24 hours.
Water management authorities have implemented a structured release schedule to manage the rising water levels. Picture; Nigel Sibanda
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) plans to open the 10th sluice gates at the Vaal Dam by Friday afternoon, with warnings of significant flooding downstream of the Vaal Barrage.
Six gates were already opened on Thursday, with water levels now reaching a critical 118.48% capacity.
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 DWS to open more sluice gates, and there are numerous reports of flooding downstream.”
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 the 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 10x 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.”
ALSO READ: Flooding crisis as Vaal Dam reaches 118% capacity with 10 sluice gates to be opened
According to the schedule provided by Swart, four sluice gates will be opened in stages throughout Friday: the seventh gate at 9am, the eighth at 10am, the ninth at 12pm, and the tenth at 1pm.
“We urge residents downstream to take note of this communication from DWS,” Swart added, emphasising the severity of the situation.
According to the Vaal Dam and Vaal Barrage Hydrological Information, the Vaal Dam is currently experiencing high water inflow at 2 448.2m³/s with an outflow of 1 113.0m³/s.
The nearby Vaal Barrage decreased to a level of 6.4m with an outflow of 1 863.1m³/s and a water temperature of 15.5°C.
Residents in the Barrage area have been urged to exercise extreme caution due to rapidly escalating water levels.
The Citizen‘s sister publication The Vaal Weekblad, expressed increasing concern that many families in the area, particularly the elderly, may become trapped by rising waters.
Anticipating a significant need for assistance, the Vaalweekblad is coordinating relief efforts for affected residents.
“We anticipate a need for assistance and encourage those who can help to also contact us at 083 246 0523 if you can provide accommodation, blankets, dry clothes, or other essential items. Please get in touch to offer support,” they announced.
ALSO READ: Gauteng residents warned to brace for more severe weather
As of Thursday, the Vaal Dam level stood at 111.64% with an inflow of 1332.4m³/s and outflow of 461.1m³/s.
Six gates were open at that time.
Within 24 hours, the dam level has increased by approximately 6.36 percentage points to the current 118%.
At the Vaal Barrage, Thursday’s measurements showed a level of 7.6m with an outflow of 1094.4m³/s and water temperature of 18.1°C.
NOW READ: Heavy downpours are a threat to crops
Download our app