The Department of Water Affairs is again warning residents downstream of the lower Orange River to be aware of fast rising water levels predicted to reach 5 000 m3/s ( cubic meters per second). At Upington the water levels are expected to reach a height of 7,6 m, approximately 0,2 m lower than the peak that caused widespread flooding in the Northern Cape Town earlier this month.
The department is also monitoring the situation in the four largest dams in the Vaal and Orange River Catchments. The Vaal dam has reached a peak of 107% with the current inflow at 730 m3/s, six flood gates remain open and the outflow is 800 m3/s.
The capacity of the Bloemhof Dam is currently 98%, the outflow is 1 400 m3/s ( cubic meters per second). At the Gariep Dam the current level of the dam is 119% while outflow has reached 2 550 m3/s (cubic meters per second). The Vanderkloof Dam stands at 115% with the level decreasing steadily, the inflow is 2 700 m3/s, and the outflow is 2 900 m3/s.
In addition, the predicted high flow at Katlani (Orange- Vaal River confluence) is 4 700 m3/s on 31 January 2011 ( today) at Prieska a flow of 5 000 m3/s is expected on 1 February 2011 and at Upington the predicted flow will reach 5 000 m3/s on February 2011.
More information may be obtained on the Departmental website at: http://www.dwa.gov.za/Hydrology/
Enquiries:
Linda Page
Tel: 012 336 8250
Cell: 083 460 4482
Source: Department of Water Affairs
