Gauteng disaster teams on standby as severe thunderstorms loom

The Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has activated disaster management measures as severe thunderstorms are expected across most of the province on Friday afternoon.

This follows a warning by the National Forecast Centre, also covering the south-western parts of the Mpumalanga Highveld.

Affected districts, local and metropolitan municipalities include the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, Dipaleseng, Ekurhuleni, Emalahleni, Govan Mbeki, Lekwa, Lesedi, Midvaal, Pixley Ka Seme and Victor Khanye.

CoGTA said it had alerted provincial and municipal disaster management structures in the affected areas and called on municipalities to activate contingency plans and coordinate preparedness and response measures.

“Municipalities are urged to ensure that disaster management teams, emergency services and relevant role-players are on standby, and to communicate timely warnings to communities.

“The department further calls on municipalities to monitor low-lying areas, informal settlements and flood-prone roads, and to coordinate with provincial disaster management structures should conditions deteriorate. 

“CoGTA, through the National Disaster Management Centre, will continue to monitor the situation and support coordinated response efforts where required.”

The storms are expected to bring strong winds, hail and heavy downpours.

These conditions may cause flooding, damage to settlements and property, and localised disruptions to power supply and communications. Potential impacts include:

• Damage to or loss of infrastructure, formal and informal settlements, property, vehicles, livelihoods and livestock;
• Flooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas, resulting in the closure of some bridges and roads; and
• Displacement of affected communities.

Members of the public in the affected areas are urged to take precautions and follow safety advice.

“If possible, stay indoors and away from metal objects. Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects. Do not go fishing or play golf, as golf clubs and fishing rods are good conductors of electricity. Be aware that any combination of hail, strong winds and/or heavy downpours can be dangerous. Avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and low-lying areas,” the department said. -SAnews.gov.za

Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.