By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) opened a fifth sluice gate following a rapid rise in water levels in the Vaal Dam.
An urgent evacuation order has been issued to residents located close to the Vaal River.
Water and Sanitation spokesperson Wisane Mavasa says the rapid rise in water levels at the Vaal Dam is due to the ongoing rainfall in the Vaal River catchment area. To prevent an overflow, a fifth sluice gate was opened at 10:00 today.
This follows the opening of the fourth sluice gate just 24 hours earlier.
As of Saturday (5/4), the water storage levels in the dam were at 107.82%. However, by this morning, those levels had surged to 109.39%. The outflow from the dam will increase from 550 cubic meters per second (m³/s) to just under 700 m³/s.
The inflow into the dam is currently at 1000 m³/s. These increased releases from the dam are expected to raise the water levels in both the Vaal Dam and the river, potentially overtopping riverbanks and impacting surrounding areas.
In addition to the Vaal Dam, water levels at the Bloemhof Dam have also risen significantly, from 103.23% yesterday to 106.91% today. As a result, water releases from Bloemhof Dam will be gradually increased throughout the day, starting at 10:00 with an outflow of 1000 m³/s, which will escalate to 1400 m³/s by 4:00 PM.
Mavasa warned the increased outflows could result in the riverbanks downstream overflowing, which would affect infrastructure situated in low-lying areas within the 100-year floodplain or within 100m of the river.
The risk of flooding is particularly high for communities in areas around the Vaal Triangle, Parys, and low-lying areas near the river, as well as for farmers with infrastructure and pumps positioned along the river.
As the outflows from the Vaal Dam are expected to reach the Barrage in about six hours and flow into the Bloemhof Dam in three to four days, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and issuing continued warnings. The increased water levels are likely to cause widespread flooding, endangering both lives and property.
Mavasa urged residents, farmers, and anyone living or working in vulnerable areas near the riverbanks to evacuate immediately. Those living below the Barrage, in the Parys area, and other downstream locations are strongly advised to move to higher ground.
She also emphasised the importance of removing valuable equipment, livestock, and movable infrastructure from potential flood zones to mitigate any risk of loss or damage.