Following recent heavy rainfall, the Vaal Dam has reached a capacity of over 108%, resulting in several sluice gates being opened. In addition, the Bloemhof Dam is also at capacity.
Sebang Motlhabi – Lekwa Teemane municipal mayor – commented: ‘We are following a national and provincial directive because the Bloemhof Dam is full beyond its capacity. The Vaal River in Bloemhof is also full, leaving some yards covered in water,’ according to News24.
Moreover, national, provincial and local governments are fearful of what might happen once Bloemhof and its neighbouring town Christiana are fully flooded. Unfortunately, the floods have already reached Christiana.
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The North West government has urged people living along the Vaal River and the Bloemhof Dam to evacuate their homes, around 83 households. Many were reluctant to leave their properties.
The Department of Water and Sanitation is monitoring the dams and rivers more closely during the rainy season and have reported plans to increase the capacity of both dams to mitigate risk.
The South African Police Service has issued the following precautions during these weather conditions:
Avoid crossing bodies of water where water is above ankle height.
Do not stand on an overhanging bank.
Check for the presence and strength of a current before entering the water
If caught in a fast river current, float feet first to protect your head and body from serious injury.
Move valuables to a place above the expected flood level and switch off the electricity supply to the building.
If you are asked to evacuate, please do so.
Animals must be relocated to higher ground.
Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey disaster protocol.
Keep children away from flooded streams and rivers
If you are driving on a wet road, slowly take your foot off the accelerator and allow your speed to drop gradually.
If a road is fully flooded, avoid driving on it. If your car stalls, leave immediately and seek higher ground.
Picture: Screenshot from video
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