Disaster teams are on high alert today as Pretoria remains under an Orange Level 6 weather warning for disruptive rain.

The severe conditions are expected to cause widespread flooding of roads, bridges, and settlements, along with significant damage to property and infrastructure, posing a serious risk to life.

As officials brace for the continuing storm, the warning extends across Gauteng, the eastern parts of North West, and several other regions.

According to Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni, they have received numerous incidents around most parts of the city where the rain has caused disruptions.

“The City Disaster Operations Centre has been activated so that it can monitor the adverse weather conditions; manage and coordinate all incidents resulting from the inclement weather; activate and deploy all resources that are needed for any incidents that the community may report to the City Disaster Operations Centre.”

He said the impact of severe disruptive rain may include the following:

• Localised flooding, especially of susceptible low-lying areas, informal settlements and susceptible roads.
• Potential mudslides, rockfalls and soil erosion, which could further jeopardise the safety of residents.
• Severe lightning strikes which may result in house or other structural fires.
• 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 or cut off, especially those that are surrounded by rivers and streams.
• Danger to life due to fast-flowing streams and rivers.

The areas that have been affected by these heavy rains are as follows:
• Mamelodi near the Mams Mall
• Eerste Fabriek (Pienaars River near the banana bridge on Tsamaya Road)
• Soshanguve
• Hammanskraal
• Lephengville
• Mabopane
• Ga-Rankuwa (Sand River, along Lucas Mangope Road, near the Hebron Police Station)
• Stinkwater (some areas are flooded)
• Temba • Majaneng
• Capital Park (Apies River low water bridge)
• Akasia
• Centurion (Hennops River) The roads are being monitored or closed in Irene train bridge on Jan Smuts Avenue and Nellmapius Drive, and Lenchen Avenue, Irene Dairy Farm, Rabie and End Streets. The Zwartkop Golf Estate is flooded as the river overflows.
• Roger Dyason Road under the train bridge in Pretoria Industrial.
• Vom Hagen Street, near the train bridge in Pretoria West.

Mnguni called on communities to observe the following safety measures:

• If possible, stay indoors and away from metal objects which 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.
• Motorists and pedestrians should be extra cautious where roads are slippery and/or visibility is affected.
• Move to higher ground if rising water levels are observed.
• Refrain from travelling on bridges or roads in low-lying areas, particularly vulnerable to flooding, and avoid crossing swollen streams.
• There should be no interruption to the natural water flow through the yard. Do not block any openings on the wall, as water must be able to flow through them.
• Businesses, complexes, and the community should avoid blocking drains or diverting gullies into sewer lines or stormwater systems, whether at home or on the streets. This ensures water can flow freely into the stormwater drainage system without overloading it.

“The Emergency Services Department will continue to monitor the weather reports and remain on high alert for any related emergencies.

“Residents are equally and strongly urged and encouraged to stay informed, monitor short-term weather forecasts and any warnings or alerts issued by the South African Weather Service and other credible sources, and follow the recommended safety tips immediately.”

Keep the following in mind when reporting an emergency: please remain calm, speak clearly, know where you are, give the correct address, and give your correct contact number to allow the operator to phone you back should they be required to do so.

“The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department, therefore, calls on communities to remain alert during the disruptive weather and to immediately report all emergencies like fire, flooding, fallen trees, rescue incidents and areas without electricity or fallen powerlines by calling 107 toll-free or alternatively calling 012 358 6300/6400.”

Also read: Watch: Tornado hits North of Pretoria

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