Mayor urges for caution as disruptive rain persists in Tshwane
In a recent incident, a Pretoria motorist was trapped in her vehicle after being caught in a flooded area at End and Rabie streets, Centurion.
Motorists and pedestrians have been warned not to try to cross flooded roads and bridges due to bad weather after a female driver was stuck in her vehicle being pinned down by the water from a flooded river in Centurion.
Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink issued the warning on Tuesday, April 9 as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has predicted disruptive rain over Tshwane this week, leading to flooding.
SAWS warned disruptive rain leading to flooding of settlements, roads and low-lying bridges is expected.
STATEMENT: Tshwane mayor calls on motorists and pedestrians to be cautious and avoid flooded roads. #Floods #Centurion @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/l6kgoCFFY7
— Mayor Cilliers Brink (@tshwane_mayor) April 9, 2024
Brink warned residents to avoid settlements that flood easily, as well as roads and low-lying bridges.
He also urged residents to use alternative roads and to be patient to put safety first. This after teams have already responded to several incidents where rescue missions had to be conducted to save those stuck in wet and difficult situations caused by the excessive rain.
“Our emergency services department is on high alert, monitoring low-lying bridges and known flooding hotspot areas,” he said.
“Once again, residents are reminded to be mindful of flooding hotspots and to avoid crossing flooded low-lying bridges and roads,” said Brink.
In the aforementioned recent incident, the Pretoria motorist was trapped in her vehicle after being caught in a flooded area at End and Rabie streets in Centurion.
Cert-SA said their Centurion crew responded to reports of a vehicle stuck in the flood water with a person inside at around 06:00.
“Upon arrival, it was found that a female driver was stuck in her vehicle pinned down by the river flood waters.
“A multidisciplinary rescue operation was launched to rescue the victim from her vehicle and safely bring her to the bank of the river. The patient was assessed for hypothermia by medical personnel and transported to a nearby hospital for further care.
“She has not sustained any injuries. The vehicle remains trapped.
“We are continuing to plead with motorists not to attempt to cross low-lying bridges and roads. We call on the residents where barriers have been placed not to open the barriers and cross the roads.”
All road users are requested to be extra careful in very wet and flooded areas as follows:
– Reduce speed
– Switch on your headlights
– Pedestrians should be careful when crossing the road
– Avoid crossing rivers and streams where the water is above your ankles
– Households are urged to open/make pathways to allow water to flow from their yards.
Here is a checklist for residents to prepare for extreme rainfall:
– Make sure that drainage pipes on your property are not blocked.
– Make sure the stormwater gutters around your property are free from debris.
– Check for dead or burnt trees that have the potential of falling onto your property and causing damage.
– Place sandbags where necessary to protect critical areas.
– Check the terms of your insurance policy about flood and mud damage.
– In informal settlements, raise the floor level of your home to be higher than the land outside.
– Listen to weather warnings issued by the SAWS.
Also read: Warning: More disruptive rain expected today
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