Some Boksburg roads flooded, DEMS on high alert across Ekurhuleni

The City of Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) has moved into high-alert mode following an Orange Level 9 weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

For life-threatening emergencies, residents can contact the City of Ekurhuleni on (011) 458 0911 so that the necessary rescue teams can be dispatched.

The alert signals a heightened risk of life-threatening emergencies and disaster-related incidents across the metro.

According to DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi, the SAWS forecast indicates that “widespread flooding of roads on both settlements (formal & informal) and widespread damage to properties can be expected. In extreme cases, lives can be lost.”

Indeed, reports from have emerged that 10th Avenue in Ravenswood and the stretch of Trichardts Road underneath the railway bridge are flooded.

To respond to the mounting threat, the City’s aquatic teams, rescue technicians, firefighters and Disaster Management teams remain on standby to provide life-saving assistance to residents who may be affected by the anticipated severe weather.

Communities living along river streams, flood lines and near dams are urged to stay alert and to react promptly should conditions worsen.

Also Read: Heavy rain and flooding – what you need to know

Ntladi shared the following safety tips:
• Following distances must be increased due to wet road surfaces.
• Water on your windscreen makes other vehicles, road signs, pedestrians and the road more difficult to see.
• Pools can form on the road surface and if you’re not careful, you could be at risk of skidding.
• Wet road surfaces can cause tyres to hydroplane (skim on a thin layer of water). Keep minimal speed.
• Wind creates additional problems for drivers as it reduces steering control. Keep both your hands on the steering wheel for better control at all times (usage of cellphones is still far too common practice by motorists which it’s a dangerous practice to both motorists and pedestrians).
• Keep your eyes on the road at all times. Would you know what to do if you were trapped in a flash flood?
• Keep calm and think swiftly.
• If you’re caught in a flash flood, do not drive through or over a flooded road or bridge. Turn back and try a higher route and don’t stay in the flooded area.
• If your vehicle is surrounded by water, get out and seek higher ground.
• Do not try to drive over a low-lying water bridge if water is flowing strongly across it.
• If you are stranded in a tree or building, don’t leave it to enter the flood water. Make an alarm and wait for rescuers.

Residents and pedestrians precautions:
• People living in low-lying areas should take special care during heavy downpours, as sudden floods might affect them.
• Residents living next to rivers and streams must evacuate to a safer place or higher spot when the water level rises.
• Never try to walk, swim or drive in swift-flowing water; even if the water is ankle-deep, it can sweep you off.
• Teach your children not to swim in rivers, streams and ponds in open areas.
• Pipes across water streams are not pedestrian bridges, use the correct pedestrian or vehicle bridges for safety reasons.

Also Read; How to keep safe during flooding