Hundreds of households flooded in Hammanskraal following heavy rains

About 300 households are said to have been flooded following heavy rains in the Majaneng village in Hammanskraal in Tshwane. Many parts of Gauteng have been hit by downpours.

Some of the residents have been given shelter by neighbours whose homes were not affected by the flash floods.

Members of the civic organisation, Sanco say residents’ homes and shacks get flooded each time it rains heavily in the area.

Sanco’s Joseph Tshewane says there are no stormwater drains in the area. He says they’ve previously engaged with their local councillor, but to no avail.

“This place has suffered a lack of development for a long time. And today, it’s the result of this underdevelopment as people find themselves in the midst of the floods. Ever since it’s been raining the water has been going into people’s homes, but today it’s a mess. If we can find a machine to suck the water out of the homes and also get a tractor to dig furrows to direct the water that’s all they need,” says Joseph Tshewane.

SA Weather | Monday 27 December 2021

More rainfall

An 80% chance of rainfall is forecast for parts of Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State, and North West for Monday. Residents living near rivers and streams have been warned to be extra cautious.

Forecaster Kgolofelo Mahlangu says, “There’s a warning for severe thunderstorms over the western parts of the Eastern Cape province and the extreme eastern parts of the Western Cape province. This might cause some localised flooding, especially in low-lying bridges and places that are closer to river banks.”

Emergency Services officials are also urging motorists to exercise caution on the roads, as wet weather conditions are expected to persist across South Africa today.

The SA Weather Service has warned that widespread showers and thundershowers are continuing over much of the country, with KZN being given a Yellow Level Two warning.

Johannesburg Emergency Services’ Robert Mulaudzi says motorists should avoid flooded areas.

“Most of the roads in the city are wet and slippery. So, we would want to encourage our motorists out there to drive safely and also extend a safe following distance so that if anything happens you can control your vehicle. Our motorists, most of them, are aware of areas, which are flooded as they drive in and around Johannesburg. So, our message is for them to try and avoid those areas which may be flooded. Never try and take a chance.”