Flash flood warning

“More lives are lost during floods than in any other weather-related event and in areas where strong water build-up occurs, drowning is the leading cause of death, with 80% of deaths occurring in vehicle incumbents,” cautions Mr Skhumbuzo Macozoma, Managing Director, JRA, explaining “this often happens when drivers underestimate the dangers of navigating through flood waters, especially at low lying bridges where as little as 30 centimetres of water is enough to float most vehicles causing the driver to lose control.”

Pedestrians are also at risk of being washed away, especially if theattempt to walk through flood waters. Caution should be exercised at low-lying bridge areas and residents are advised to use a pole or stick to test the ground and water level before traversing any flooded areas. Furthermore, floodwater is unsafe and can carry sewage and chemicals from roads, farms, factories and storage buildings, which can become a health hazard.

THE JRA RECOMMENDS THESE LIFE-SAVING TIPS DURING FLASH FLOODS:

Vehicle drivers

Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas, even if the water looks shallow enough to cross.

If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.

Never drive into water that covers the road -you do not know how deep it is or whether the road underneath has been washed away!

Reduce speed significantly to avoid vehicle floating.

Look out for flooding on highway dips and bridges, especially low lying bridges.

Exercise caution, especially at night when visibility is poor.

Pedestrians

If a flash flood is likely, move to higher ground immediately. You cannot outrun a flash flood!

Keep away from places that are likely to flood, such as ditches or dry stream beds;

Avoid areas that are flooded;

Avoid areas where water is flowing rapidly, especially high velocity flow areas

Never attempt to run across flooding water if the water level is above your ankles

Do not walk into or near high water.

Keep children away from playing in drainage ditches and storm water drains.

Engage in Active Citizenry

The JRA is encouraging Citizens to be active and to take ownership of

their streets and storm-water drainage systems. Potholes, damaged or missing

road signs and faulty traffic lights must be reported immediately. Residents

are reminded to refrain from dumping litter into the storm water system and

drains, thereby helping the JRA to keep the storm water areas clear. Water

cannot flow away freely when drains are blocked.

In the event of a flash flood, or where residents are at risk, it is

advisable to immediately evacuate the area and seek a place of safety. Please

report all Flash Floods related incidents to the Metro police or SAPS, on the City of

Johannesburg’s call centre number. Details: City of Johannesburg 0860JOBURG (562874).