[LISTEN] R71 flooded in two areas

LIMPOPO – The Transport Department’s media liaison officer, Mike Maringa, has urged motorists to drive with caution.

His warning comes after parts of the R71 were flooded during heavy thunderstorms earlier this afternoon.

“The road is flooded between White River and Mathiba’s Kraal as well as Mamadimo and Moremadi Park,” he explained.

He advised motorists driving between Polokwane and Tzaneen to use the R81.

Here are some thoughtful safety tips for travelling residents to keep in mind:

• The best way to avoid being caught inside your car is to avoid water on the road.

• Never drive through a flooded road or bridge. Use an alternative route.

• Stay on high ground.

• Listen to the radio for weather information, to plan your route in advance.

• Don’t walk into moving water unless it is extremely shallow. Just 16 cm of moving water can knock you off your feet.

• If your vehicle is surrounded by shallow water and you are caught in a traffic jam because of deeper conditions ahead, abandon the vehicle and move immediately to higher ground. Do not stay in a car – it might get flooded.

• If you are stranded on an object above the floodwater, such as a tree or a building, stay put and wait for rescue. Do not enter the water and wait for rescue.

• If you’re driving through a flash flood, open your window so that if the car becomes stranded or flooded, you can easily exit. If you have to, break the window.

• If you have a baby or toddler in the vehicle, do not exit without them – take them in your arms while you are exiting; do not leave them unattended, the water may grab you and leave them behind.

• When it rains heavily, turn on your headlights and hazard-lights so that your car is visible at all times.

• Continue to breathe normally until water reaches your shoulders, then take a deep breath and hold your nose. Swim to the nearest place of safety.

• If you are swept into moving floodwater outside of your car, point your feet downstream. Always go over obstacles, never try to go under.

• Always make sure you are safe before helping anybody else, otherwise you may harm both them and yourself.

• If water comes into your vehicle, abandon it immediately as you might get caught in it – also if floodwater moves your vehicle.

• Warn other motorists of danger ahead if you have successfully driven through floodwater by flashing your vehicle’s high beam.

• Contact your insurance broker as soon as possible if your vehicle is flooded or swept away.

• Contact the South African Police Service and Ambulance Services if they are not present at the flood scene. Alternatively, contact Netcare 911.

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