by Wednesday afternoon’s flash floods in Johannesburg have been confirmed as a disaster with a reported four confirmed deaths by Gauteng government officials.
In addition to the heavy rain, large amounts of golfball-sized hail have fallen in parts of Gauteng.
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The Extent of the Damage
The Johannesburg Disaster Management Centre (JDMC) has been activated to coordinate all rescue missions and to investigate the extent of the damage caused by the floods.
According to the Rosebank Killarney Gazette, a boundary wall (Jan Smuts Avenue) at the Johannesburg Zoo has collapsed as a result of the floods.
The zoo’s spokesperson Noeleen Mattera told the local newspaper that she would comment once the damage had been assessed. It was not yet clear whether any animals were on the loose.
#Floods Another incredible video from Linksfield area yesterday. pic.twitter.com/49Fdr81zm5
— Mandy Wiener (@MandyWiener) November 10, 2016
This is so terrible. #floods pic.twitter.com/XkM3IO3Jn4
— DKing (@IM_KING_Dee) November 9, 2016
Watch as men form a chain to help ladies cross the road safely:
Next time before you say Men are trash remember that these men stood together to help the ladies across. #JoburgFloods #Floods pic.twitter.com/ddNMBGf1KR
— IG: AdvBarryRoux (@Barry_Roux) November 10, 2016
My whole house right now. pic.twitter.com/YqONarAIZw
— Mme a Masakona (@FloMasebe) November 9, 2016
Oliver Tambo International Airport Flooded – Flights Diverted
Pictures have emerged of the parking area at OR Tambo International Airport as well as one of the entrances to the parking areas partially submerged.
The road leading into the airport was under water, with just the tops of several cars visible.
OR Tambo posted this on their Facebook page: “Passengers are advised that delays are being experienced due to bad weather conditions. Passengers may communicate with their respective airlines on the status of their flights.”
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Tips For Flood Victims
Gauteng Weather has issued these flooding tips for people in the affected area:
- Be aware that 20cm of water can sweep a person away
- Half a metre of water can float a car
- Never drive around barricades
Several on-ramps were flooded with Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni areas mostly affected. Numerous cars were either trapped or swept away on the N3 near the Gillooly’s interchange.
More heavy rains are expected for today, with a forecasted 30mm to 40mm of rain.
The JDMC team are reportedly looking at houses and informal settlements that have been affected by the floods. These include the Alexandra township and areas along the Jukskei river .
This video by Leon Kruyshaar has gone viral which shows citizens making a human chain to rescue passengers trapped inside vehicles. Truly a testament to the South African spirit!
