The JRA warns the public about flash floods

For the past two days Joburg has been experiencing heavy rainfall which can lead to flash floods that may endanger the lives of people and cause damage to homes, vehicles and properties.

The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) released a statement to warn the public about the dangers of flash floods and to inform them on how to protect themselves. The agency urged the public take extra care when they approach low-lying bridges or come close to rivers and streams.

The JRA has identified hotspot flood areas in the City and took steps to reduce the impact of sudden downpours. These include improvements to storm water drainage systems and installation of new pipes to increase the capacity of existing systems.

The Acting Managing Director of the JRA, Mpho Kau said persistent heavy rains always cause concerns for the City. “Large volumes of water come down in a short span of time and sudden floods can occur with little or no advance warning.”

He also said that many residents are unprepared for the sudden surge in water levels and streams can suddenly turn into raging torrents that tear out trees, destroy buildings and obliterate bridges.

Kau said that more lives are lost in the city through flash flooding than any other weather related incidents. Drowning is the leading cause of death with 80 per cent of fatalities occurring among occupants of vehicles. “Drivers often underestimate the dangers of flooding, especially at low-lying bridges, where as little as 30cm of water can float vehicles and result in the driver losing control,” said Kau.

Tips that might save your life during heavy rains:

• Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas, even if the water looks shallow enough to cross
• Leave your vehicle if it stalls and move immediately to higher ground
• Never drive into water that covers the road. You do not know how deep it is or whether the road underneath has been washed away
• During heavy rains be on special alert near dips in the highway and near low-lying bridges
• Exercise caution, especially at night when visibility is poor
• Pedestrians must avoid areas where water is flowing rapidly
• Keep children away from playing in drainage ditches or storm water drains.

North Riding was mapped as a high-risk area with floods.

Residents and road users are encouraged to report all road and storm water related emergencies during flooding directly to the 24 hour JRA Regional Standby Teams:

• Region B 060 960 0787 Rosebank, Northcliff, Melville, Auckland Park, Bryanston, Randburg
• Region C 060 960 0762 Western suburbs, Roodepoort, Florida, Bramfischerville
• Region F 060 960 0763 Inner City, Hillbrow, Braamfontein, Parktown
• Traffic Signals 082 827 8250

Joburg weather

Friday: 24 degrees Celsius with heavy thunderstorms

Saturday: 21 degrees Celsius, mostly cloudy with thunderstorms

Sunday: some sun with thunderstorms in spot