According to the city’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services Department (DEMS), 80-100 per cent chances of showers and thundershowers have been forecast for Ekurhuleni and other parts of the province today going through to the weekend.
DEMS warns residents, including motorists, to be extra cautious for the heavy rains expected to hit the city, causing flash flooding and chaos on roads in the flood-prone areas. The rains may also result in rivers, open trenches, and low lying settlements and bridges to flood.
Parents with children walking to school are also urged to be cautious in contemplating their safety when crossing flooded areas.
“Drivers and pedestrians are alerted to avoid crossing under subway bridges, low lying bridges, and swollen streams where water is above ankle level.
“If you can`t see the road surface because of the flood water, turn around and use the alternative road.
“It is more advisable to listen to the radio or watch television stations for warnings and obey instructions from Disaster Management and Traffic officials,” said DEMS spokesperson, William Ntladi.
Ntladi added that the weather forecast triggered DEMS’ crews to be on high alert for any eventualities that might erupt as a result of heavy rains.
Communities affected by flooding or any life-threatening emergencies are advised to call the emergency call centre immediately to render swift intervention.
• 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:
Be prepared for more thunderstorms, veld fire and hot weather – says SA Weather Service
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