Warning of ongoing rain and flooding across country

With heavy rain ongoing in parts of South Africa, emergency services are on high alert for flash flooding in areas such as informal settlements.

The South African Weather Service issued a warning of possible flooding in several parts of the country yesterday.

Today there is an 80% chance of rain in Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Rain can also be expected in the Free State, North West and in Mpumalanga’s Highveld.

“There will be about 50mm of rain in Gauteng and Highveld areas as well as southern parts of Mpumalanga.

“This will also be applicable to southern parts of the Waterberg district in Limpopo and the eastern parts of North West and Free State,” said senior forecaster and meteorologist Dipuo Tawana.

Durban would have a dry day and Cape Town would not get any respite from the prolonged drought, he added.

Johannesburg emergency services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said disaster management services had installed rainfall measurement systems in areas prone to floods to monitor water levels.

“We installed automatic rainfall systems in areas like Alexandra, Soweto and Kliptown because they are next to rivers. These systems serve to alert disaster management then we communicate with residents so they know if heavy rainfall is possible.”

Mulaudzi said motorists also needed to be on the alert for flooding.

“Motorists need to be alert at the railway station in New Canada as it is prone to flooding. Roads such as Klip Valley Road and Witkoppen Road might also be affected.”

Hannelee Doubell, communications manager at the SA Weather Service, advised the public to stay indoors and avoid crossing rivers.

“Residents should abandon their homes immediately if evacuation is recommended by duly authorised officials,” she added. “The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor any further developments relating to this weather system and will issue subsequent updates as required.”

With regards to possible flooding in informal settlements, Mulaudzi said temporary emergency shelters and community halls would be made available to accommodate residents.

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