17 November 2015
The South African Weather Service has warned of expected heavy rains with the possibility of hail in Gauteng, especially Tshwane, starting this afternoon and continuing over the weekend.
Emergency Services is on high alert and is monitoring the situation in all areas known for possible flooding during heavy downfalls.
Meanwhile, Disaster Management is assessing last night’s damage and will continue to monitor the weather situation to assist communities in need. The Tshwane Emergency Services Department yesterday afternoon attended to 28 flooding incidents when a thunderstorm with strong winds and hail approached Tshwane from the south. The initial storm started in the East Rand and swept through Tshwane from 13:30 to 20:00. Storm water drains were blocked and could not handle the massive amount of water, hail and debris entering certain areas.
The most severe damage occurred in Olievenhoutbosch, Pretoria West, Mountain View, Pretoria North, New Eersterust and Soshanguve. While Emergency Services rushed to the many incidents reported, it had to negotiate as best as it could the gridlocked traffic in many areas due to flooded subways and low-water bridges.
In New Eersterust, six families were moved to a shelter after the roof of their houses was blown off and some walls caved in. In Pretoria North, where the roof of an old-age home was partially ripped off by strong wind, Emergency Services assisted in covering the exposed area with salvage sheeting as a temporary measure.
The huge amount of hail that fell in the Mountain View area built up on the slopes of the mountain. The rain water then washed the hail down the mountain against the boundary walls of houses, causing them to collapse. Eventually ice was swept to the houses, and to release the weight on house walls, doors had to be opened. In some spots ice burst through windows and piled up a meter high inside the houses. Emergency Services personnel used shuffles and water to remove the ice from the structures.
The Apies River was in full flood for some time and traffic was directed away from the low-water bridges. A truck and other vehicles were stuck in subways, especially the subway in Rachel de Beer Street. All occupants were brought to safety and water was channelled away from houses. Luckily no injuries were reported during the storm.
Many trees were also uprooted, causing structural damage to houses. Those that fell on the roadway caused traffic congestion.
Flooding occurs when water overflows its normal channels such as streams and storm water drains. It can occur during prolonged periods of rain, with continuous heavy rainfalls or in the form of flash floods that are usually associated with severe thunderstorms. Heavy rain may also result in overflowing of rivers. All low-lying bridges must be avoided during a flood.
The following precautions should be taken during such weather conditions:
• If possible, residents must stay indoors and off the roads and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above ankle height.
• In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level and switch off electricity at the supply point to the building. If evacuation is recommended, residents must heed the call. Avoid driving on a road that is totally covered by water. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground and be cautious especially at night when it is harder to recognise flood dangers.
• In rural areas, animals should be protected or relocated to a safe place on higher ground.
• Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions of emergency personnel and disaster management officers.
• Take special care of kids; keep them away from flooded streams and rivers during stormy conditions.
Emergency number: 10177 or 012 310 6300/6400