Goodhope Dlangamandla | goodhope@radioislam.co.za
13 December 2022 | 13:30 PM CAT
2 min read

Photo Credit: FloodList

According to the South African Weather Service, Gauteng and other parts of the country are anticipated to experience yet more severe rains.

Heavy rains last week in Gauteng caused infrastructure loss, property and car damage, and the need to rescue people from their flooded homes. Emergency services worked around the clock to save those trapped in flooded Lenasia, Soweto, Eldorado Park, Roodepoort, and Alexander neighbourhoods.

According to Nana Radebe Kgiba, spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), they have been working around the clock to ensure that the city of Johannesburg is thoroughly protected.

Radebe-Kgiba told Radio Islam International that they are on high alert and will stay in touch with SAWS to inform the public of any flooding problems.

“We will be heading to the Jukskei River to check on the water levels and any other areas that are prone to flooding during this time. We will check these areas and give any updates should major incidents occur.”

Given the continued likelihood of severe rainfall in the area, she stated that many rescue teams are already in place.

Some areas of Johannesburg saw flooding on Friday, which caused some people to be swept away by floodwaters and other people’s properties to sustain damage.

According to Radebe-Kgiba, there were numerous incidences in Soweto, Florida Lake, Protea, and Eldorado Park.

“We had major incidences in Soweto on Friday, where a number of people were calling to say that they cannot get out of their houses because the area is flooded. We went to Protea and found that the water was at window, and we know that the Florida Lake burst. Fortunately, we did not have a huge number of fatalities or people that were injured.”

Warrant Officer Ntsako Pataka, who was working Friday for the police’s Protection and Security Services in Soweto, was one of those who perished in the flash flood. His body was recovered on Sunday.

Listen to the interview on Your World Today with guest Nana Radebe Kgiba, spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services.