Tshwane under water as homes, roads flood
Various streets in the city have been identified as high risk areas and the road users are reminded to drive with care.
Several incidents were reported as heavy rainfall caused flooding in various parts of Pretoria.
The metro as well as some areas in the country have been experiencing above average rainfall as a result of tropical cyclone Eloise.
This had led to an increase in water levels at rivers, dams, drainage systems and low water bridges which left some motorists trapped.
Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Charles Mabaso said some of the incidents reported included two vehicles that got trapped due to high water levels on Vom Hagen Street, in Pretoria West. The emergency services department assisted in activating recovery services.
“Fortunately, no injuries were experienced,” he said.
“Another incident that ESD responded to, was a house in Ramotse, Hammanskraal that reported flooding. ESD assisted to drain the water from the house with portable pumps.”
A roof at Masakhane clinic in Ekangala, near Bronkhorstspruit collapsed and the relevant utility services department was dispatched in the area.
Mabaso said the disaster risk management was conducting damage assessments in Zithobeni extension 8 after various houses that were built on a wetland were flooded.
Various streets in the metro have been identified as high risk areas and the road users were reminded to drive with extra care a long the following streets:
– Paul Kruger near the Wonderboom Pass
– Vom Hagen Street
– Centurion area (Rabie and End streets, Irene Bridge, Lenchen Road, West and Hall and the Centurion Lake)
Some of the roads and bridges have been closed and motorists were urged to use alternative routes.
“Residents in areas close to these areas are warned not to hesitate to move to safety as emergency services and other stakeholders continue to monitor the areas,” Mabaso said.
“Keep safe following distances and drive at significantly reduced speed during rain and wet road surfaces, find an alternative route and do not attempt to cross flooded bridges and streams.”
Mabaso have more tips on how to manage floods:
• Channel water away from houses by digging furrows, making openings in the wall and placing sandbags to prevent water from coming into the house/yard.
• Cover valuables like furniture and move them to higher ground if possible. Switch off electrical appliances if the house get flooded.
Residents were advised to be vigilant and alert as the rain showers persisted and were anticipated to continue into the weekend.
“The emergency services department, together with other city departments have been lactivated and are implementing the regional flood incident management plans,” Mabaso said.
Residents are reminded to report any life-threatening emergency at 107 or alternatively, call 012-358 6300/6400.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
