City of Johannesburg Disaster Management Centre warns of heavy rain

The City of Johannesburg Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has issued a stern warning on 14 February to people to be vigilant during the heavy rain.

This warning comes after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a watch for heavy rain over the City of Johannesburg for Thursday, 14 February 2019.

The DMC said prolonged and frequent rain could lead to soil saturation which in turn has the potential to cause flooding and in some instances tree toppling.

“Flooding occurs when rainwater cannot adequately be absorbed by the soil and run into water drains, streams and rivers – overflowing these normal water channels. Flooding may not necessarily occur at the point of the downpour but could occur further downstream of these channels, at areas that might have received no or limited rainfall,” said DMC in the statement.

Take the following precautions:

• If possible stay indoors
• Avoid crossing flooded streams or rivers
• Be extra cautious during low visibility when it is harder to recognise flood water velocity
• Do not seek shelter under big trees.

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