The City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) rescue teams remain on high alert following a warning for disruptive rainy weather in the region.

They alerted pedestrians, motorists, and residents to be extremely cautious, especially those in low-lying areas, near streams and flood lines, and when crossing low-lying bridges.

DEMS media liaison officer William Ntladi said there had been no reported weather-related incidents thus far in Ekurhuleni.

“The DEMS is preparing for the summer awareness campaign, which will run until the last weekend of March 2026,” said Ntladi.

The department just completed the winter awareness campaign and is getting ready to roll out the summer awareness campaign with all related seasonal challenges:

• Heatwaves.

• Drought.

• Floods.

• Thunderstorms and lightning.

• Drowning.

• Sinkholes.

“From the technical operations’ perspective, Technical Rescue Teams (TRT) have already started water rescue exercises.

“On September 26, the teams held an operational skills workshop at Homestead Lake in Benoni. The next exercise will take place at Germiston Lake,” said Ntladi.

“Biweekly, operational teams are hosting planning meetings to address and identify strategies on how to tackle new challenges, if any.

“The operational teams meet biweekly to plan and develop strategies for addressing any new challenges,” said Ntladi.

“In terms of disaster management, the department has identified temporary shelters for relocating communities affected by disasters and has accumulated disaster relief aid.

“A memorandum of agreement on service delivery with companies such as SANTAM, Meals on Wheels, NSRI, and Red Cross has already been signed to enhance high-level services to affected communities.

“Human Settlement and Housing Development departments assisted in the identification of temporary shelters and disaster relief aid to those affected.

“The DEMS communications department will release alerts immediately based on the South African Weather Service (SAWS) advisory.

“Constant communication and engagement are of paramount importance. The department will sustain its conduct of interviews with local radio stations to alert residents, especially those residing in flood-prone areas.

“Water streams and drowning-prone points have been identified as well. The DEMS department is aware of water stream areas predominantly used for religious and cultural rituals.

“Since warmer summer days are around the corner, more such practices will be taking place, and alerts will be communicated through various media platforms,” said Ntladi.