The Tshwane Emergency Services Department (ESD) remains on standby following the ongoing heavy rain that continues to cause disruptions in communities across the metro.

The South African Weather Service issued a Yellow Level 4 warning on Monday for disruptive rain, expected to persist until Wednesday.

According to ESD spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni, the department is concerned about the impact of the rain on vulnerable informal settlements built in low-lying areas and below flood lines.

He said all these informal settlements are hotspots and at risk.

“So far, we have received reports of flooding in people’s homes in areas like Soshanguve, Zithobeni and Temba.”

Mnguni said that they responded to these calls and assisted community members with drawing the water out of the affected houses.

He added that the Disaster Risk Management section took the details of the affected families for further assistance.

Mnguni urged residents to not cross low-lying bridges, whether on foot or while driving.

“The public must also monitor the rain, and if their houses are in danger of being flooded, they must evacuate to higher ground.”

If residents experience any emergency, they should call the ESD on 107 toll-free.

He said the impact of disruptive rain, which may be accompanied by widespread showers and thundershowers that will produce heavy rainfall, may include the following:

– The elevated risk of localised flooding, especially susceptible low-lying areas, informal settlements and susceptible roads.

– Potential mudslides, rockfalls, and soil erosion, which could further jeopardise the safety of residents.

– Disruptions to traffic due to major roads being flooded.

– Minor to major vehicle accidents due to poor driving visibility and slippery road conditions.

– Localised service disruptions due to power failures and other damage to infrastructure.

– Some communities may temporarily not be accessible/cut off.

– Danger to life due to fast-flowing streams and rivers.

Mnguni urged all communities to observe the following safety measures:

– If possible, stay indoors and away from metal objects that may be hit by lightning.

– Avoid outdoor activities such as fishing or playing golf in the rain as the fishing rods and golf clubs may attract lightning.

– Do not seek shelter under isolated trees or tall objects if there is a thunderstorm.

– Avoid crossing flooded, low-lying roads, bridges, and swollen streams.

Mnguni said the ESD will continue to monitor the weather reports and remain on high alert for any related emergencies.

He encouraged residents to stay informed and monitor short-term weather forecasts and any warnings or alerts issued by the SAWS or other credible sources and to immediately follow the recommended safety tips.

“We further call on residents to be vigilant and to please immediately report any fire or rescue incident, by calling 107 toll-free or 012 358 6300/6400.

“When reporting an emergency, please remain calm, speak clearly, and know where you are to give the correct address and your correct contact number to allow the operator to phone you back should they require so.”

Wollies Animal Shelter in Pretoria North was also affected by the wet weather this week.

The shelter’s manager, Cilla Trexler, said fortunately no animals were harmed or killed and there was no damage to the kennels.

“Our kennels are high and above the water levels,” she said.

However, Trexler is pleading with the public to help donate blankets for the animals.

“Our biggest problem is that we do not have enough blankets for them.”

“We do not have dry blankets to change the wet blankets.”

AlSO READ:Heavy rain and flooding expected in Tshwane this week

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@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