Flooding, fallen trees and power outages in Gauteng as severe weather continues
Heavy rains continue across Gauteng, causing flooding, fallen trees and power outages, as Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas remain on high alert.
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).
Boksburg Advertiser reports that residents can contact the City on 011 458 0911 for life-threatening emergencies so that 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 and informal) and widespread damage to properties can be expected. In extreme cases, lives can be lost’.
Reports have emerged that 10th Avenue in Ravenswood, Boksburg, and the stretch of Trichardts Road under the railway bridge are flooded.
Emergency response teams on stand-by
To respond to the threat, the City’s aquatic teams, rescue technicians, firefighters and disaster management teams remain on stand-by to provide life-saving assistance to residents affected by the severe weather.
Communities living along rivers, flood lines and near dams are urged to stay alert and react promptly should conditions worsen.
Safety tips for drivers
Ntladi shared the following advice:
- Increase following distances on wet roads.
- Water on the windscreen makes it harder to see other vehicles, road signs and pedestrians.
- Pools on the road surface can cause skidding.
- Wet roads may cause tyres to hydroplane; maintain minimal speed.
- Wind reduces steering control; keep both hands on the wheel and avoid using cellphones.
- Stay alert and know what to do if trapped in a flash flood.
- Do not drive through or over flooded roads or bridges; seek higher ground.
- If surrounded by water, exit your vehicle and move to safety.
- Do not attempt to cross low-lying water bridges with strong currents.
- If stranded in a tree or building, stay put and signal rescuers.
Precautions for residents and pedestrians
- People in low-lying areas should take care during heavy rain, as sudden floods may occur.
- Residents near rivers and streams must evacuate to higher ground if water rises.
- Never walk, swim, or drive in swift-flowing water; even ankle-deep water can sweep you away.
- Teach children not to swim in open rivers, streams or ponds.
- Do not use pipes across water streams as pedestrian bridges; use proper bridges.
Rain expected to spread across Gauteng and Limpopo
Kempton Express reports more rain is expected in northern Gauteng from this afternoon into the evening. The wet weather system will also affect parts of Limpopo, particularly areas south of Bela-Bela, with showers and possible thundershowers expected later today.
Widespread storm impacts
Heavy downpours over the past 24 hours have already caused significant disruption across Gauteng, including flooded roads, fallen trees, damaged power cables and widespread power outages.
Conditions remain dangerous, with water accumulation, debris and poor visibility creating serious risks for motorists and pedestrians.
Residents are strongly urged to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary and to remain indoors where possible.
Reported incidents
- Boksburg: Flooded roads
- Highlands North/Oaklands: Fallen trees
- Lenasia: Flooded roads
- Kempton Park: Flooded roads and fallen trees
- Roodepoort: Fallen trees and damaged power cables
- Sandton: Fallen trees and damaged power cables
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