Heavy rains in johannesburg
Lonehill residents concerned about flooding as heavy rains lash Gauteng
Residents have been warned to take the necessary precautions and motorists to be safe on the roads as flooding is expected.
In Tshwane, 13 bridges have been closed to traffic due to flooding and several roads declared no-go zones.
Some areas affected by flash flooding, including bridges around Centurion, have been closed to traffic.
Mamabolo gave an overall update on the extent the storm had in some parts of the province saying the City of Johannesburg and the west rand have been severely affected.
Paramedics attended to several incidents on Saturday afternoon, including the structural collapse at a mall.
Forecaster Victoria Nurse says the two extremes are not unusual.
On Tuesday, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department responded to over 40 accidents due to the heavy downpours with dozens of people being injured.
There are calls for the construction sector to review methods and material used to build schools and hospitals to make sure they can withstand strong winds floods and even tornados.
Peter Xhali has described a heroic scene of how he sustained a cut to his head and arm when struck by hail and still managed to save his seven-year-old child.
Heavy rains and strong winds have gripped most parts of the country, causing damage in KZN, Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Johanneburg city officials have admitted that stormwater drains need to be cleared more frequently to avoid flooding.
The Gauteng Disaster Management Centre says there isn’t enough land in the province to relocate those living in low-lying areas, making families vulnerable to heavy rains.
A number of shacks were destroyed in Zandspruit and the Ruimsig squatter camp due to strong winds and hail.
Joburg Emergency Services’ Robert Mulaudzi has urged residents to brace for possible flooding.
The SA Weather Service says downpours will continue for the rest of the week & temperatures are expected to drop significantly.
Forecasters say widespread showers will continue in Johannesburg with an 80% chance of rain for the rest of the province.
The Johannesburg Roads Agency Sean Philips says people block the drains with rubbish.
Some displaced residents from ward 105 met at the weekend to discuss their living arrangements.
Some displaced Alexandra residents say they've not been given any concrete solution to their living arrangements.