City of Johannesburg offers assistance

Flash floods experienced in the south of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni yesterday (9 November) caused a lot of chaos and panic.

The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, councillor Herman Mashaba conveyed his sincere condolences to families, friends and communities who have lost loved ones during the flash floods.

“We, as the City of Johannesburg, will do everything possible to assist in the search for those missing. At this stage, I can confirm six people have died and a three-year-old girl from Alexandra is missing,” Mashaba said.

The Aquatic Rescue Unit within the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) provided emergency search and rescue services to affected areas. They continued until 1am and resumed again this morning (10 November).

There has also been extensive infrastructure damage and Mashaba assures the public that the City is doing everything possible to help communities by providing emergency assistance.

Various departments within the City of Johannesburg are currently on the ground providing disaster response services.

EMS is providing emergency medical care, and search and rescue services to those injured and affected during the flash floods.

Disaster Management is in the process of providing temporary accommodation and relief supplies to victims.

The Department of Health and Social Development, in conjunction with NGOs and the Provincial Government are handing out blankets and food parcels to those who tragically lost all their belongings.

The Department of Community Development is providing safety and dry shelter in community halls to those who have lost belongings.
Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) are busy assessing the damage to infrastructure, clearing debris, silt and other obstructions from the roads, bridges and storm water drainage systems. They are also in the process of cleaning up all roads littered with debris to prevent further traffic delays.

According to Mashaba, the flash flood was beyond the capacity of the city’s storm water system. “Unfortunately any severe storm or flash flooding that occurs will result in isolated flooding as the road infrastructure is not designed for these severities. I assure the public that JRA is working tirelessly to resolve blockages and repairing faulty traffic lights. Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers have also been deployed to assist with traffic control,” said Mashaba.

Mashaba concluded by thanking all entities and departments for the manner in which they are dealing with this situation and their quick response to those affected. “We must be a responsive and caring government that serves our people,” he said.

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