Can the city handle extreme weather conditions?
Maintenance of infrastructure is a top priority
With the promise of more thunderstorms and possible flooding, concerns about the ability of the City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ) infrastructure to handle extreme weather conditions (should they happen) have been raised.
Johannesburg has already experienced significant changes in rainfall patterns with shorter, more intense storm events. These patterns carry the risk of flood damage to infrastructure and the environment. To overcome the unpredictability of future weather patterns, the City’s top priority is the maintenance, upgrading and development of infrastructure.
Adequate budgets have been allocated to maintain current infrastructure, to sustain strategic infrastructure and to replace ageing infrastructure. Monitoring systems are also in place to ensure the structures in place have the capacity to withstand extreme weather conditions and climate-related disasters, such as flooding, heatwaves and drought.
Residents – both young and old – are urged to take note of weather reports. This will aid in making better decisions regarding their safety during sudden bursts of rain or severe thunderstorms. According to the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, councillor Michael Sun, it is particularly important for motorists to ensure they are not caught on roads and bridges that are prone to flooding. “The City traditionally receives heavy rains and thunderstorms with lightning activity from September to April each year. Sometimes this is accompanied by heavy hail, which further increases the possibility of various kinds of incidents,” Sun said.
An effective Level 1 disaster management plan is in place and the city is committed to maintaining a vigilant state of preparedness through constant research and training. Although the city has not experienced natural disasters as yet, the Joburg 2040 Strategy states that weather pattern changes are increasing. In light of this, a Level 2 disaster risk management plan is being developed.
Johannesburg’s Emergency Services offer the following advice to ensure the safety of residents as well as their pets in the event of a severe thunderstorm:
– Take immediate shelter in a building when caught in the open
– Do not shelter under isolated trees, and avoid hilltops. Although trees are relatively safe you should avoid tree trunks and branches
– Do not touch metal fences – it could be fatal. You should also avoid steel structures like pylons as well as telephone- and power lines
– A lightning conductor is essential if your house has a thatched roof
– Stay indoors and, if travelling, remain in your vehicle
-When indoors, stay away from windows and try to not use any metal objects or electrical appliances
– You should not use a phone or take a bath/shower
– Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or bridges, either on foot or in your car
– Bring your pets indoors (never leave them tied up outside)
– If your pets are frightened, reassure them and keep them calm
– Pets should be provided with the same cover as humans
– Keep them away from windows and do not attempt to bath them
The safety of residents is a top priority. You are urged to call 10177 in the event of any emergency.
