WITH wet weather predicted to last into this coming weekend, motorists are advised to take pre-cautionary measures, especially when driving over low lying bridges where rivers could burst their banks and flood the road.
Make sure to always have your headlights on, don’t drive too close to the vehicle in front and be careful when applying brakes. Slow down!
Pedestrians are also advised to be extremely cautious when walking over streams and if it looks deeper than normal, don’t attempt to cross.
Also Read: Flash floods – What you need to know
From the City of Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services department (DEMS):
Following consistent down pours experienced across the City of Ekurhuleni since last night and with the expectation of lasting till tomorrow, the City’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services department (DEMS) would like to make the residents, industrial and business communities to be extra cautious of flooding moreover those in the flood prone and low-lying areas.
DEMS in collaboration with South African Weather Services (SAWS) would like to caution residents, drivers and everyone in their own sphere of lives to be on high alert throughout. People should avoid crossing low lying bridges, and swollen streams where water is above the ankle level.
Have a look at your latest satellite image (22 March 2018). Widespread rainfall in the east where it will be cool to cold with heavy rainfall warning in place. Take care on the roads. pic.twitter.com/d7szvy2Qbs
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) March 22, 2018
Parents are urged to keep a close look on their children moreover those crossing over the water streams. Children are experiential and they might not take a right and correct decision when faced with flooded areas. In such cases, drowning is imminent and life could be lost.
Motorists are as well urged to be careful when approaching low lying bridges or where the road surface is submerged under water. You do not know how deep it is or if the road has been washed away, please do not cross better use alternative roads. No vehicle is can overcome by the strong water current, as a result, drowning to the occupants can occur.
DEMS is on high alert for any eventualities that might erupt as a result. Communities affected by flooding or any life-threatening emergencies are advised to call Emergency Call Centre immediately for swift intervention from Fire, Emergency and Rescue services.
Please be advised of the following for the 22/23nd of March 2018. Persistent rainfall could result in localized flooding in places mentioned as a strong upper air trough moves in from the west. pic.twitter.com/twp4O0BKyl
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) March 21, 2018
Please Note:
- In case of emergencies: call our direct line: (011) 458 0911, cell phone 112, or National emergency number 10177.
- Ensure that you have the emergency call centre contact numbers readily and clearly displayed for everyone to know and to use.
- Numbers should be saved and easy to access on your telephone or cellular phone.
- Speak clearly on the phone when reporting an emergency.
- Provide the operators with all the necessary details required.
- Do not end the conversation until all questions are answered.
Also Read:
Water Wednesday: SA hit by storms, flash floods, snow, tornadoes and large hail
Flash flood blamed on poor maintenance
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