In the past few years, heavy rainfall in South Africa has caused floods.Recently, the September floods in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces have had serious outcomes.
It’s essential to get ready to stay safe and protect your property, so to help you prepare for floods, here are ten tips provided by the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department.
ALSO READ:Floods in Western Cape declared national disaster
It’s essential to get ready to stay safe and protect your property, so to help you prepare for floods, here are 16 tips.
Rainfall season:TEN Flood safety tips
In the past month, several areas in South Africa have been plagued by floods during the summer rainfall season. Cities such as Cape Town, Pretoria, various parts of the Eastern Free State, and the Eastern Cape have faced excessive flooding.
ALSO READ: Johannesburg floods alert: Road closures and areas to avoid
The following tips are essential for the safety of property and preparation for floods:
- For those living in low-lying areas, monitor the rising water levels and evacuate to a safer place or higher spot;
- Don’t cross through flooded roads or bridges; it’s best to use alternative routes;
- Never try to take walks or swim in or drive in swift-flowing water. Even if water is 15cm deep, it can sweep you off;
- Motorists can be more careful and avoid driving on flooded roads;
- The public must monitor the weather sites to understand what warning levels they are on;
- Keep important documents in water-resistant packaging to avoid damage;
- Always keep your phone in close proximity to you at at all times;
- Always have emergency contact details available on your cellphone;
- If you are a parent, teach your children about the dangers of floods;
- Be especially vigilant at night as visibility is limited
ALSO READ: Newborn baby among three that died in Eastern Cape floods
The impact on road infrastructure in Cape Town
Furthermore, the impact of the floods on critical road infrastructure cannot be understated. The closure of 22 roads, including the N1 and N2 highways, along with more than 150 other roads, poses a significant challenge to community connectivity and economic activity, as these roads are essential for both.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Floods reported in parts of Gauteng
The urgent need for emergency repairs in rivers and streams is also evident, with 238 applications received by the Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Department.
“The department has already finalized 196 of these applications making use of Section 30A of the National Environmental Management Act, which allows for verbal approval in an emergency to carry out listed or specified activities to prevent or contain further damages to affected areas,” said Bredell.
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