SAWS warns of heavy rain in Polokwane
The South African Weather Services warns of disruptive rainfall from late afternoon into the evening.
POLOKWANE – The South Africa Weather Service (Saws) has issued a Level 4 weather alert for disruptive rainfall and flooding in Limpopo and Mpumalanga on Monday (December 13).
The alert commences from 17:00 today until 23:59 and encompasses Polokwane, Modimolle/Mookgophong, Mogwadi (Dendron), Mooketsi, Giyani, Tzaneen, Phalaborwa, Mogoto and Hoedspruit.
The service in a statement warns of flooding of roads and settlements (formal and informal), and the possible damage to roads, bridges, infrastructure and property.
They have warned residents to stay indoors where possible and to avoid fast flowing streams and deep water.
“If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground,” reads the statement.
Read more: Taxi owner’s son swept away by flood waters
Here are some thoughtful safety tips for travelling residents to keep in mind:
• The best way to avoid being caught inside your car is to avoid water on the road.
• Never drive through a flooded road or bridge. Use an alternative route.
• Stay on high ground.
• Don’t walk into moving water unless it is extremely shallow. Just 16 cm of moving water can knock you off your feet.
• If your vehicle is surrounded by shallow water and you are caught in a traffic jam because of deeper conditions ahead, abandon the vehicle and move immediately to higher ground. Do not stay in a car – it might get flooded.
• If you are stranded on an object above the floodwater, such as a tree or a building, stay put and wait for rescue. Do not enter the water and wait for rescue.
• If you’re driving through a flash flood, open your window so that if the car becomes stranded or flooded, you can easily exit. If you have to, break the window.
• If you have a baby or toddler in the vehicle, do not exit without them – take them in your arms while you are exiting; do not leave them unattended, the water may grab you and leave them behind.
• When it rains heavily, turn on your headlights and hazard-lights so that your car is visible at all times.
• Continue to breathe normally until water reaches your shoulders, then take a deep breath and hold your nose. Swim to the nearest place of safety.
• If you are swept into moving floodwater outside of your car, point your feet downstream. Always go over obstacles, never try to go under.
• Always make sure you are safe before helping anybody else, otherwise you may harm both them and yourself.
• If water comes into your vehicle, abandon it immediately as you might get caught in it – also if floodwater moves your vehicle.
• Warn other motorists of danger ahead if you have successfully driven through floodwater by flashing your vehicle’s high beam.
• Contact your insurance broker as soon as possible if your vehicle is flooded or swept away.
• Contact the South African Police Service and Ambulance Services if they are not present at the flood scene. Alternatively, contact Netcare 911.
