Floods cause havoc around Pretoria

The ongoing rain on Saturday saw various low water bridges flooded and saw one vehicle abandoned in Centurion, Centurion Rekord reports.

“At around 12:50 the EMS crew from Centurion Fire Station noticed the abandoned vehicle on their way to a nearby accident on the N14 and Jean Avenue,” Tshwane Emergency Management Service spokesperson, Charles Mabaso said.

“They were informed that the driver was safe and out of the vehicle.”

“Parts of the City of Tshwane are experiencing flooding incidents from as early as 04:00 in the morning. The western, central and southern parts of the City reported several flooding to the Tshwane EMS Call Center.”

Mabaso said about 15 calls were received by 05:30 Saturday morning of houses that were “flooded” in the Lotus Garden and Atteredgeville area.

“Emergency services responded and found no lives in danger; only water had gone into houses. Firefighters and local towing services assisted motorist to safety from 12 vehicles that were stuck in a pool of water at a bridge in WF Nkomo and Citroen Street, Pretoria West.”

“The residents of Itireleng informal settlement in near Laudium reported an unconfirmed number of shacks that are flooded.”

Mabaso further said EMS cordoned off a sinkhole, which has developed in the area and notified the City’s geologist.

“The Emergency Service Department, together with the Tshwane Metro Police Department is monitoring flood-prone low water bridges in Rabie and End Street, Nelmapius and John Voster Road, Supersport Park (all in Centurion area), R101 near Werdebrug SAPS and on M8 near the PPC cement factory in Hercules.”

He said EMS was on high alert following reports by the South African Weather Service that further rains are forecast for most parts of Gauteng.

The Department calls upon residents and motorist to exercise extra caution when driving

· Observing safe following distances

· Reducing driving speed to increase braking distance

· Switching on headlights

· Never attempt to cross flooded low water bridges or drive into bodies of water of unknown depth

· Avoiding any other actions that may endanger those lives and those of other road users. The Department also advises households to switch off electrical components and the main switch, should their house/shacks be flooded to minimize chances of electrocution.