The Department of Public Safety’s Emergency management Services, Disaster Management and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department send message of caution to the residents of the City due to the forecasted heavy rains over the next three days.
The down pour which started today, Tuesday 05 December is expected to easy by Thursday 07 December 2017 accordingly to the weather forecast.
The South African Weather Services predicts 80% rainfall for Tuesday, 60% rainfall on Wednesday and a moderate 30% showers are expected on Thursday. The rainfall could have drastic effect and cause rapid rise in water levels in rivers, dams and other waterways.
JMPD calls upon the residents and motorists to be careful on the roads as it is slippery, reduce speed and switch on headlights.
To ensure the safety of our residents, Disaster Management, EMS and JMPD teams are on high alert monitoring the entire City. The residents must take pre-cautionary steps in the following areas where flash floods are known to occur:
- Diepsloot
- Kyasands,
- Ivory Park
- Themba Khoza
- Booysens
- Soweto
Residents are also urged to keep children and pets indoors under close supervision, motorists should not take chances and drive over bridges over fast moving water and pedestrians must avoid crossing over flooded water bodies.
Should anyone find themselves trapped indoors by flooded water they are to immediately switch off all electrical appliances and call 10177 or 011 375 5911 for assistance.
Motorists trapped by floodwater must get out of their vehicle to higher ground if it is safe to do so, do not try to swim to safety in rapid flood water.
Public Safety MMC Michael Sun said “All residents are requested to take extra precaution over the next couple of days as we experience heavy rainfalls. Our EMS, JMPD together with Disaster Management are on standby to respond to any emergencies”.
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