Newcastle hit with flooding after heavy three-day torrential downpour

The torrential downpour has caused the Ncandu River, Jordan River, and Amcor Dam to overflow, causing flooding in several areas across town.

Currently, the areas that have been hit most include Paradise (Finnemore Street, Dixon Street, and St. Tomas Street), Lower CBD (Taxi City, Sutherland Street, Kirkland Street, and Bridger Street), Trim Park, Umfolozi (Amcor Dam) Road, Marconi Drive (Riverside Industrial), D96 (behind Amiel Park), the road to Vezobuhle (behind Karbochem), and several parts of Madadeni and Osizweni.

Here are 7 tips to help you stay safe while it’s pouring…

• Increase your following distance. In this way, you can avoid crashes. 1-2 extra seconds is a good amount of time.
• Follow the speed limit. Slowing down is a good idea too. Also remember that one of the most dangerous times to drive is after it begins to rain.
• Switch your headlights on to be more visible to other motorists.
• Do not try to overtake other motorists when visibility is poor.
• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Both hands on the wheel, please!
• Be more aware of the environment around you, i.e., stay alert.
• Your windscreen wipers should be on to ensure that you have a clear view of the road.

Personal safety tips:

• People living in low-lying areas must exercise extra caution during storms because sudden floods may occur.
• They should keep an eye on rising water levels and evacuate to a higher or safer location if necessary.
• Avoid crossing flooded roads or bridges; instead, take alternate routes.
• Never attempt to walk, swim, or drive through fast-flowing water. Even if the water is only 15 cm deep, it has the power to sweep you off your feet.
• Drivers must exercise extreme caution and avoid driving through flooded areas. Drive to and park in safer areas.
• Members of the public should contact their local ward councillors or municipal disaster management centres.
• If water is flowing strongly across a low-water bridge and the ground is not visible, do not attempt to drive over it.
• Keep your cellphone nearby and emergency contact information handy.
• Keep an extra eye out at night. It is more difficult to identify potentially fatal road hazards.
• Avoid camping or parking along rivers, especially during heavy rains or thunderstorms.
• Communities are encouraged to avoid contact with flood waters whenever possible. The water could be contaminated with raw sewage, oil, or other hazardous substances and it could also be contaminated with electricity from downed power lines.
  

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