Heavy rain wreaked havoc in several Johannesburg and Mpumalanga suburbs yesterday, with flooding washing away cars, collapsing walls and leaving people and animals stranded.

An article published by Randburg Sun says streets were transformed into rivers last night as a severe downpour led to flash floods across the region, overwhelming infrastructure and posing grave risks to residents.

One resident, Aden Exall, reported that an astonishing 100mm of rain fell within an hour, triggering chaos in various neighbourhoods.

One of the most alarming sights captured in a video posted on Randburg Sun’s Facebook page by Karen Flint showed the Klein Jukskei River in Jukskei Park, which burst its banks, causing danger in surrounding areas.

Flash floods led to significant infrastructure damage, particularly on Dale Lace Avenue in Randpark Ridge, where a wall at a complex collapsed.

Local authorities have issued warnings advising against crossing flooded roads. Motorists are being called to exercise extreme caution as rising water levels continue to pose threats.

Several other security groups posted that multiple bridges were closed and designated as no-go zones, including Mangaan Bridge, Platina Bridge, and Witkoppen Bridge. CPFs were deployed to these locations, with the Johannesburg Roads Agency’s Flood Control Unit also notified.

Emergency services, including fire and rescue teams, were there to assist with a vehicle stranded in rising waters at Platina Bridge.

In Sundowner, dramatic rescues unfolded, with volunteer groups from the Honeydew CPF and the Sundowner Community Association aiding individuals stranded on Drysdale Road amid the deluge. Residents are being urged to remain vigilant as the situation develops and to stay away from affected areas where dangerous conditions persist.

Tonight, situation in Newlands, Johannesburg, south Africa

Flooding has been reported along Main Road in Newlands, Johannesburg. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and avoid crossing flooded roads.#SouthAfrica #flood🌊 #FloodedRoads🌊 pic.twitter.com/i6jTIQFFpT

— MOHAMMAD AHSAN🎗️ (@MOHAMMAD_AARSH) March 6, 2025

05.03.2025 #SouthAfrica #floods #Johannesburg
Flash floods swept through Johannesburg, flooding roads and bridges. The flood washed away cars, flooded roads, houses, neighborhoods, and hectares of crops. https://t.co/f8No2pi0Yr pic.twitter.com/r9a8W39LZK

— Climate Review (@ClimateRe50366) March 6, 2025

Benoni animal sanctuary called for help

Last night, the Pit Bull Sanctuary South Africa posted a video on Facebook asking the public for assistance.

Within hours, offers of help flooded in to assist the animals.

Heavy rainfall causes localised flooding in Ermelo

Highvelder reported last night that beyond the rising floodwaters, a blocked sewage system is introducing raw sewage into residents’ yards.

Yesterday’s heavy rainfall led to localised flooding in some parts of Ermelo, notably in Sluiter Street at the Alma flats.

Claudette Breedt, a resident of the flats, shared videos with Highvelder depicting the devastation.

While the sheer volume of rain played a role, inadequate stormwater drainage has exacerbated the issue.

Breedt’s neighbours at the Janwil flats also experienced severe flooding in 2021, when water flooded their home, damaging their furniture and causing significant stress for their family.

They told Highvelder that all they could think of was how much damage there would be when the storm had passed. Their children were deeply shaken by the experience.

In 2021, Chris Raath, Tom Boyder and his wife arranged temporary accommodation for Breedt’s neighbours at West Street Inn to help them recover from the flood damage.

Breedt says municipal workers previously removed a tree trunk from the stormwater drain, highlighting the ongoing maintenance challenges in the area.

As the flooding continues, the situation has worsened due to a blocked sewage drain, causing raw sewage to mix with floodwater and pool in residents’ yards.

The ongoing crisis has left affected families in a dire situation.

In response to the flooding, Theo Craven from the South African Community Crime Watch group issued the following safety advisory:

• Keep your lights on
• Reduce speed
• Observe and predict behaviour
• Keep doors locked
• Do not cross flooded low-lying water bridges
• Avoid large pools of water – these often conceal deep potholes and debris
• Travel slowly

Aerial footage of Middelburg flooding

On Tuesday, Middelburg Observer posted aerial footage of Monday’s flooding in Eastdene, Mpumalanga.

@middelburgobserver

Watch stunning aerial footage of the flooding in Eastdene from yesterday (Monday, March 3)

♬ original sound – MiddelburgObserver – MiddelburgObserver

Watch: Flooding in Middelburg on Monday:

@middelburgobserver

Part 2 of streets being flooded in Middelburg

♬ original sound – MiddelburgObserver – MiddelburgObserver

With more warnings of severe thunderstorms and heavy rains forecast for Gauteng, Johannesburg Emergency Service has had its hands full, responding to a number of incidents and conducting daring rescues of motorists trapped on flooded bridges. Video: Joburg EMS @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/OwyNG8mK04

— 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) March 6, 2025

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