The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs working together with the Department of Water Affairs and all municipalities are continuing to monitor the dam water levels and the river flows as the rains continue to fall in the province. The Province has experienced an average of 10.5 mm rain in the last 24 hours.
Most of the dams are currently full and stable, however there has been an increase in the water level in the Crocodile (Mgwenya) River, and residents living near this river and downstream are urged to be on full alert.
The Department would like to warn all residents of the province to be on full alert as heavy rains are predicted to continue for the next few days. A special warning is being issued to residents in Gert Sibande and Nkangala districts to be on full alert as heavy rains are predicted for those areas.
The Department would like to advise communities to take the following precautions in the event of floods occurring:
- Before crossing a river, either on foot or in a vehicle check whether water level is rising.
- Do not cross bridges with high water level.
- If trapped in a flooding vehicle, rather abandon it.
The Department would also like to call upon those people living in low laying areas and next to flood lines, to be extremely cautious as the continued rains can lead to the increase of river levels thus making small streams very dangerous.
The department has also instructed all municipalities to be on full alert and on standby and to activate their joint operations committees.
The Department would also like to warn all road users to be careful as the roads are wet and to always keep a safe following distance.
Contact person:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
