Pretoria motorist rescued from flooded streets

A Pretoria motorist trapped in her vehicle in a flooded area at End and Rabie Street was rescued on Tuesday morning.

According to Tshwane EMS spokesperson Charles Mabaso, the woman was rescued unharmed. 

Cert-SA said their Centurion crew responded to reports of a vehicle stuck in the flood water with a person inside at around 06:00.

“Upon arrival, it was found that a female driver was stuck in her vehicle pinned down by the river flood waters.

“A multidisciplinary rescue operation was launched to rescue the victim from her vehicle and safely bring her to the bank of the river. The patient was assessed for hypothermia by medical personnel and transported to a nearby hospital for further care.”

“She has not sustained any injuries. The vehicle still remains trapped.

“We are continuing to plead with motorists not to attempt to cross low-lying bridges and roads. We call on the residents where barriers have been placed not to open the barriers and cross the roads.”

Meanwhile, a person was trapped in a flooded shack in Soshanguve near Soutpan Road.

Mabaso says emergency services have been dispatched to Soshanguve to conduct an assessment.

Meanwhile, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) urged motorists to avoid End and Rabie Street in Centurion. 

“In Soshanguve, roads are closed near Soutpan Road.” 

A level four weather warning for disruptive rain is in place for Pretoria on Tuesday. 

The SA Weather Services (SAWS) warned that disruptive rain leading to flooding of settlements, roads, and low-lying bridges is expected. 

TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN DRIVING

All road users are requested to take extra caution:

• Reduce speed
• Switch on your headlights
• Pedestrians should be careful when crossing the road
• Avoid crossing rivers and streams where water is above your ankles

Households were urged to open/make pathways to allow water to flow from their yards.

Here is a checklist for residents to prepare for the extreme rainfall: 

• Make sure that drainage pipes on your property are not blocked
• Make sure that the stormwater gutters around your property are free from debris
• Check for dead or burnt trees that have the potential of falling onto your property and causing damage
• Place sandbags where necessary to protect critical areas
• Check the terms of your insurance policy with regard to flood and mud damage
• In informal settlements, raise the floor level of your home to be higher than the land outside
• Listen to weather warnings that are issued by the South African Weather Service

ALSO READ: International report shows Pretoria’s air is cleaner than two years ago

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