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Residents were advised that 'valuable equipment, movable infrastructure, and livestock should be removed from the flood zone' to reduce potential losses from the anticipated flooding.
Sluice gates at the Vaal Dam. Picture: Supplied
The Department of Water and Sanitation has issued urgent warnings about potential flooding following increased water releases at both the Bloemhof and Vaal dams.
Officials implemented a series of strategic releases at Bloemhof Dam on Tuesday, culminating in a discharge rate of 3000 cubic meters per second (m³/s) by 6pm.
“The current controlled water releases at both the dams may lead to possible overtopping of riverbanks downstream,” the department cautioned, adding that infrastructure within the 1-in-100-year floodline could be affected.
Rising Bloemhof Dam levels prompt action
The releases were necessary due to Bloemhof Dam’s water levels reaching a concerning 116.5% capacity.
The department implemented an incremental approach throughout Tuesday, starting with increases to 2200 m³/s at 11am, followed by adjustments to 2450 m³/s at 2pm, and 2700 m³/s at 4pm.
“These adjustments are necessary to manage the sustained high inflows and ensure the safe operation of the dam. The water outflow at the dam was last increased to 2000 cubic meters per second yesterday [Monday] evening,” explained officials.
To manage the situation, authorities opened five of Bloemhof Dam’s radial gates — three fully and two partially.
The dam contains 20 radial gates that, while operating differently from those at Vaal Dam, are essential for controlling water levels.
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Vaal Dam water levels risk flooding
The Vaal Dam is experiencing similar challenges, with water levels rising to 114.61%, representing a 1.76% increase from Tuesday’s 112.85%.
According to The Reservoir’s daily updates, the Vaal is currently receiving inflows of 1141.1 m³/s from the upper catchment.
Five sluice gates remain open at the Vaal Dam, maintaining a discharge of 807 m³/s, while no river valves are currently in operation.
Downstream at the Vaal Barrage, water levels were recorded at 7.4 meters, with an outflow of 1093.9 m³/s and water temperature at 22.0°C.
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WATCH: Vaal Dam overflowing
Evacuation call for residents
The department has issued strong evacuation warnings to affected communities: “If you live within the floodline of the Vaal River downstream of the Vaal Dam and the Bloemhof Dam, please take immediate action! We urge you to evacuate to a safe area to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
Residents were further advised that “valuable equipment, movable infrastructure, and livestock should be removed from the flood zone” to reduce potential losses from the anticipated flooding.
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