EMS officials on high alert as heavy rains pelt Joburg 

22 February 2017

 

The City of Johannesburg’s Disaster Management Centre will continue to monitor flood-prone areas across the city to ensure the safety of residents.

 

Some of the city’s low-lying parts have been experiencing isolated flooding during heavy downpours over the past few days. Some of the roads that have been affected by the flooding include Witkoppen in Paulshof, Roosevelt in Alexandra and River in Bryanston.

No casualties have been reported.

Emergency Management Services Spokesman Robert Mulaudzi urged residents to take warning messages of heavy rainfalls from the South African Weather Service “very seriously”.

He called on motorists and residents, especially those living in low-lying areas and informal settlements, to take the necessary safety precautions, monitor water levels and move to the higher ground when there was a need to do so.

“Motorists are urged to reduce speed and to drive with extra caution as most of our roads are wet and slippery,” he said, adding that Johannesburg had “officially” entered the thunderstorm season.

“We urge residents to be better prepared,” added Mulaudzi.

He said all 28 fire stations across the city were fully operational and added that Disaster Management officials would remain on high alert and monitor all low-lying areas and informal settlements at all times.