Gauteng disaster management teams are on high alert in the province after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued an orange level 5 warning for disruptive rainfall from today through to Thursday.
ON HIGH ALERT
Robert Mulaudzi, spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services, stated that disaster management monitoring teams have been deployed across all seven regions to oversee communities in informal settlements, which are mostly vulnerable. "Aquatic Rescue Unit remained on high alert overnight, and all our fire stations are fully operational. We are ready to respond to any emergencies," Mulaudzi said. He also urged motorists and pedestrians to be extra cautious where roads are slippery and visibility is affected.
OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY ALSO AFFECTED
In a statement released yesterday, the SAWS indicated that severe thunderstorms are anticipated in various locations across the southern Free State and northern regions of the Eastern Cape, where damaging winds, excessive lightning, hail, and heavy rainfall are likely. ?However, potentially strong damaging winds are expected along the west and southwest coasts of the Cape Provinces. Damaging winds are possible due to the tight pressure gradient along the west coast. Heavy on-and-off showers are expected across the North West and Gauteng provinces, including the northern region of Free State, Highveld areas of Mpumalanga, and southwestern Limpopo,? the SAWS stated, adding that localised flooding may affect vulnerable areas, bridges, and roads. "The South African Weather Service once again advises the communities living in low-lying areas and flat plains to be on the lookout for the disruptive rain across the central and eastern regions of South Africa from this Sunday to at least Wednesday."
SAWS recommends the following safety precautions to ensure public safety:
• Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or swollen streams.
• Relocate to higher ground if you notice increasing water levels.
• Avoid using bridges or roads in low-lying regions, as these areas are especially susceptible to flooding.
