(Adrian) Update: Flash-flood warning for Joburg - General | Looklocal Roodepoort JRA identifies flooded areas Wilgeheuwel is one. The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is appealing to residents to adhere to road closures following the heavy rains throughout the Johannesburg area. According to JRAs Bertha Scheepers, The overnight heavy rain, falling throughout the Johannesburg metropolitan area has resulted in flooding. We appeal to residents to adhere to road closures as these are in place to ensure the safety of our communities. Residents are cautioned also to take extra care when using roads, and to note the latest update about flooded areas: • The double decker (M1 North) has already been cleared. JRA teams were dispatched to site at 6am this morning and the situation will be monitored closely during the course of the day. The New Canada Dam is prone to flooding because of railway line culverts Bram Fischerville/ Juskei area Thulani /Doornkop gravel road areas as there is no storm-water drainage • Wilgeheuwel area next to Clearwater Mall • On Banfield Road, Industria North, there is a blocked storm-water pipe. Signs have been erected on both sides closing the road, and the flooding poses no danger to any properties in the area. JRA will be draining the water during the course of today Chris Hani and Klipvalley Road in Soweto some community members keep removing the road closure, placing their lives at risk • The very low lying bridges at Stockwell Avenue, Bridge Street, Bryanston Drive at the river bridge and Witkoppen Road at the low-level bridge Report road and storm-water issues to 0860 562 874/ [email protected] / twitter@MyJra Lots of rain expected Rain, rain and more rain is what residents can expect throughout this coming weekend and at least a few days into next week. A seven-day forecast by the South African Weather Service predicts a 60 per cent chance of rain from Friday 31 January to Wednesday 5 February. The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is urging residents to take extra care when using our roads during this rainy season and to be aware of the life-threatening dangers of flash flooding. More lives are lost during floods than in any other weather-related event and in areas where strong water build-up occurs, drowning is the leading cause of death, with 80 per cent of deaths occurring among vehicle occupants, cautions Skhumbuzo Macozoma, Managing Director of the JRA, explaining that, this often happens when drivers underestimate the dangers of navigating through flood waters, especially at low-lying bridges where as little as 30 centimetres of water is enough to float most vehicles, causing the driver to lose control. Pedestrians are also at risk of being washed away, especially if they attempt to walk through flood waters. Caution should be exercised at low-lying bridge areas and residents are advised to use a pole or stick to test the ground and water level before traversing any flooded areas. Furthermore, floodwater is unsafe and can carry sewage and chemicals from roads, farms, factories and storage buildings, which can become a health hazard. The JRA recommends these life-saving tips during flash floods: Vehicle drivers • Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas, even if the water looks shallow enough to cross. • If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. • Never drive into water that covers the road you do not know how deep it is or whether the road underneath has been washed away! Reduce speed significantly to prevent vehicle floating. • Look out for flooding on highway dips and bridges, especially low-lying bridges. • Exercise caution, especially at night when visibility is poor. Pedestrians • If a flash flood is likely, move to higher ground immediately. You cannot outrun a flash flood! • Keep away from places that are likely to flood, such as ditches or dry stream beds. • Avoid areas that are flooded. • Avoid areas where water is flowing rapidly especially high-velocity flow areas. • Never attempt to run across flooding water if the water level is above your ankles. • Do not walk into or near high water. • Keep children from playing in drainage ditches and storm-water drains. Engage in active citizenry The JRA is encouraging citizens to be active and to take ownership of their streets and storm-water drainage systems. Potholes, damaged or missing road signs and faulty traffic lights must be reported immediately. Residents are reminded to refrain from dumping litter into the storm-water system and drains, thereby helping the JRA to keep the storm-water areas clear. Water cannot flow away freely when drains are blocked. In the event of a flash flood, or if residents are at risk, it is advisable to evacuate the area and seek a place of safety immediately. Please report all flash-floods related incidents to the JMPD or SAPS, on the City of Johannesburgs call centre number: 0860JOBURG (562874).
Posted on: Fri, 31 Jan 2014 15:51:49 +0000
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