Residents warned to be on alert as rains continue in Mpumalanga
10 Nov 2010
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in
Mpumalanga would like to warn all residents of the province, especially those
living in low laying areas and next to flood lines to be on alert as the rains
continue to pour in the province. The department has also instructed all
municipalities to be on full alert and on standby. Weather patterns indicate
that rains will continue for the next few days.
The continued rain can lead to the increase of dam and river levels
thus making small streams very dangerous. Parents are urged to warn children not
to play next to streams and rivers.
The department would like to advice communities to take the following
precautions in the event of floods occurring:
- Move to higher ground if flooding is possible
- Before crossing a river, either on foot or in a vehicle check
whether water level is raising
- If trapped in a flooding vehicle, rather abandon it
- People should try and secure their houses especially the roofs as
some of the rains are accompanied by strong winds.
The department would also like to warn communities of possible flash
floods and urges members of the public to be extremely cautious at all times. In
the event of possible flooding communities must call the department’s disaster
toll free number 080 020 2507.
The department would also like to warn all road users to be careful as
the roads are wet and in some areas there have been rocks falling on to the
road.
Enquiries:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
Issued by: Mpumalanga Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
