Staff Reporter.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has urged the public to exercise caution following flooding in in the central and eastern parts of the country due to continuing rains.
In a statement, the department said Gauteng had experienced heavy downpours accompanied by thunderstorms, hail, strong winds and lightning.
“The disruptive rainfall from the evening of the 8th December 2022 is continuing throughout Gauteng and other provinces,” said Ministry spokesperson Lungi Mtshali.
He said the rains were affecting various communities negatively, leading to the destruction of infrastructure and private property.
He said Gauteng, specifically in and around Soweto, was witnessing disruptive flooding.
In some parts of Johannesburg on Friday, flooding resulted in people being swept away by flood waters and others having their properties damaged.
Three people were rescued on Friday morning when parts of Florida Lake, Soweto and Eldorado Park in Johannesburg experienced flooding.
In Soweto, Naledi, an 88-year-old woman had to be taken to the hospital for treatment after a wall of her house collapsed.
“South African Weather Service (SAWS) reported that the ground in many other areas that have been receiving rains is already saturated, whilst rivers and streams are running full and, in some areas, overflowing into roads and homes.
“As per SAWS report, more rains are still expected. The Minister urges the public to be extra vigilant and exercise caution, especially in areas prone to flooding. The expected rainfall will make matters worse as the summer rains continues,” he said.
Mtshali said the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) was in contact with provincial and local disaster management centres on the ground to monitor the situation and give support.
“As a result of these adverse weather patterns, the Disaster Management Teams from across all spheres of government will continue to be on standby to provide assistance where required.
“The public is urged to follow the regular updates and warning messages from the SAWS as it monitors the weather and climate conditions,” he said.”Everyone is urged to also be vigilant, cautious, and to heed the calls from relevant authorities.”