In the midst of relentless heavy rains battering various parts of Gauteng, emergency services in the City of Tshwane sprang into action to rescue a female driver trapped in her vehicle submerged in water in Centurion, Pretoria. The harrowing incident unfolded at the intersection of End and Rabie streets, illustrating the dangers posed by the deluge of rainfall sweeping across the region.
Charles Mabaso, the spokesperson for Tshwane’s Emergency Management Services (EMS), emphasized the imperative for motorists to exercise caution, particularly steering clear of submerged bridges and inundated roads. With the South African Weather Service issuing warnings of disruptive rains throughout the province, Mabaso’s plea carried a weight of urgency.
“We also call upon residents residing in areas where barriers have been erected or where our community policing forum members and law enforcement agencies have cordoned off roads, not to attempt to bypass these safety measures,” Mabaso urged. “Vigilance is crucial, especially in monitoring children, given the treacherous road conditions. Adjusting driving speeds accordingly and ensuring visibility through the use of headlights are paramount for the safety of all road users.”
As the torrents continued, neighboring Johannesburg echoed similar cautionary sentiments. Robert Mulaudzi, spokesperson for Johannesburg’s EMS, emphasized the importance of residents in low-lying areas remaining vigilant. “Our motorists are still encouraged to exercise caution, extend a safe following distance, and avoid crossing flooded roads and bridges,” he advised. With the aquatic rescue unit on high alert, Mulaudzi stressed the necessity for collaborative efforts to mitigate the potential for further incidents amidst the relentless downpour.
In the Western Cape, heavy rains wreaked havoc on road networks, particularly in George and its surrounding environs. The George Municipality reported flooding on key routes, including the N2 Touwsriver bridge in Wilderness, prompting swift action from traffic authorities and the roads agency SANRAL. Closure of the Outeniqua Pass, a vital link between Oudtshoorn and George, further underscored the impact of the inclement weather. As roads in the CBD succumbed to flooding, authorities scrambled to manage the deluge and its repercussions on transportation networks.
Meanwhile, in the North West province, the village of Moshana outside Zeerust bore the brunt of heavy rains and thunderstorms, resulting in substantial damage to homes and infrastructure. Over 100 houses, alongside a block at a local school, suffered varying degrees of destruction, compounded by uprooted trees and damaged electricity lines. Keemenao Pitso, the Councillor for Ward 2, recounted the devastation wrought by the sudden onslaught of inclement weather. “The thunderstorm wreaked havoc, leaving sections of the village in ruins,” Pitso lamented. “With 111 houses identified as severely impacted, urgent intervention from the Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality is imperative to aid affected families.”
In Kimberley, Northern Cape, residents of Kutlwanong grappled with the aftermath of an overflowing canal inundating their homes following heavy rainfall. Venting their frustration, residents took to the streets in protest, demanding swift action from the Sol Plaatje Municipality to address the issue. Nomazizi Shwababa, the Municipal Speaker, assured residents of imminent measures to rectify the situation. “I have engaged with our engineer, Mr. Matholo, who is devising strategies to ensure the cleanliness and functionality of the canal,” Shwababa affirmed. Amidst the turmoil, efforts to mitigate further damage and alleviate the plight of affected communities remained at the forefront of municipal agendas.
Across South Africa, as communities grappled with the ramifications of unrelenting rainfall, the collective resolve to weather the storm and rebuild in its wake epitomized the resilience ingrained within the nation’s spirit. From emergency responders to local municipalities, a concerted effort to safeguard lives and property underscored the unity in confronting nature’s formidable force. As the rains persisted and the challenges mounted, the resolve to endure and overcome remained unwavering, a testament to the indomitable spirit of South Africa’s people in the face of adversity.
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