Gauteng emergency crews prepare for flooding amid ‘disturbing rain’



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  • The South African Meteorological Service has issued a warning for heavy rains in Gauteng.
  • While no flood incidents have yet been reported, emergency personnel are on high alert.
  • Parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo could also be affected by flooding, SAWS warned.

Heavy rains have covered most of Gauteng, and motorists are urged to be cautious.

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The South African Meteorological Service (SAWS) issued a weather alert for heavy rains in and around Gauteng. Disruptive rains can be expected in Gauteng, as well as parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Northwest and the Free State

Johannesburg emergency services spokeswoman Nana Radebe said that although there have been incidents in the city, emergency personnel are on high alert.

“Motorists are urged to drive carefully as the roads are slippery. We will be watching the rivers and low-lying areas,” he said.

Tshwane emergency services spokesman Charles Mabaso said firefighters have been tending to a tree uprooted in Villeria.

While there have been no flood incidents, emergency crews have noted a significant rise in water levels in parts of Centurion, Mabaso warned.

“Areas around the Centurion area where motorists and the community should be aware of rising water levels include Blackwood Road, End and West streets and the Hendrik Verwoerd Lake Dam wall. Soil is already saturated in the most areas of the province and the city and as such any amount of rain can contribute to flash floods and traffic disruptions, “Mabaso said.

The eastern parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo were expected to receive around 50mm of rain, which could also result in flooding, the SAWS warned.

“More rainfall is expected in the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga from Monday night to Tuesday morning. This could lead to flooding in some places as the soil is still saturated due to rains from tropical depression Eloise.” SAWS said in a statement.

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