Parts of Gauteng to be Declared Disaster Areas

Gauteng Premier David Makhura intends to declare parts of Gauteng ‘disaster areas’, following the recent violent and fatal flash floods in Joburg and the East Rand which have left at least six people dead in South Africa.

Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni experienced their worst flash floods in decades on Wednesday – after experiencing a long drought – causing extensive damage to infrastructure, vehicles and the loss of homes, including almost 200 that were destroyed in Alexandra.

OR Tambo International Airport and national roads were flooded on Wednesday afternoon, 09 November 2016, with many vehicles washed away including a reported 100 cars on the N3. The downpour of rain and hail was so heavy and fast that some motorists were trapped in their vehicles as the water rose so quickly.

Joburg has already received more than its average November rainfall of 117mm. On Wednesday, in less than three hours, OR Tambo International Airport received 90mm of rain… resulting in the lower basement parking flooding and part of the roof caving in.

SA Weather Service has reminded people that it is an offence to send hoax messages following a hoax ER24 voice note sent earlier today.

The weather service has issued a warning to the Midvaal and Emfuleni municipalities for today and tomorrow – “severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, large hail, strong wind.”

Residents and motorists are urged to be on high alert and to avoid crossing flooded bridges and roads.

Acting Premier Paul Mashatile consoles the Chauke family who lost their daughter Evenita in the #flashfloods pic.twitter.com/MhO9BvwUI8

— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) November 10, 2016

A woman cries as her car is washed away in Joburg flash flood on Wednesday

I could not watch again, so sad, she cries for her car as it floods away, #Floods pic.twitter.com/wdk6d1yOE4

— Technology enthusiast (@TKMediaSA) November 9, 2016

The devastation after the Jozi storm

https://twitter.com/GateInv/status/796973285959405568