Stay safe during heavy rainfall
The following tips can save your life during a flash flood
Water is a life giving resource, but it can also cause massive destruction.
The past week saw areas across the country, including Roodepoort and surrounding areas, experiencing severe thunderstorms with a large amount of rain falling in a short period of time. According to Wayne Venter from the South African Weather Service, we can expect above normal rainfall from December onwards, but that residents can expect many thunderstorms until then.
“We can confirm that we have officially entered the stormy season and will continue to monitor the weather and issue watches or warnings if needs be,” Venter said.
The severe thunderstorms might cause flash-flooding in some areas. A flash-flood occurs suddenly and without warning when flood waters rise rapidly. These waters flow faster on flat ground and can be quite destructive. A flash-flood occurs after intense rainfall from thunderstorms, which cause the rapid rising of water levels in our streams. The depth of the rising water can reach well above the banks of these streams.
Risk factors that can increase the occurrence of flash-floods include soil erosion, over-population, and illegal dumping in stormwater drains and rivers. We are all vulnerable to flooding and the following tips can save your life – as well as the lives of those around you:
– You should report all emergencies to 10177 or 011 375 5911
– Drive or walk to the predetermined assembly point
– Turn around and use an alternative route if a path is flooded
– Never drive through a flooded road or try to cross a flooded bridge
– Stay on high ground and never stay in a flooded vehicle
– Avoid driving or walking across low lying bridges, sewage- or water pipes
– You should climb a tree if your situation is severe
– Always listen to the radio and keep up to date with weather alerts. Should the EMS advise you to evacuate, do not hesitate, do so immediately.
In an effort to reduce the impact of flash-floods, an Automatic Rainfall Station (ARS) has been operated since November 2011 by the EMS. This monitors rainfall patterns, creates awareness and serves as an early warning system for vulnerable communities. EMS: Disaster Risk Management is working closely with the South African Weather Services on the Flash-Flood Guidance System for reporting on extreme weather conditions and sending out of warning SMSes.
It is important to learn to identify early warnings regarding extreme weather conditions, because the recovery from a disaster is costly and the after-effects may be long-term.
