Mopping up operations started in Johannesburg on Friday morning where heavy rainfall had displaced at least 1 200 families, emergency services spokesperson Percy Morokane said.
“It’s dry today but the real work begins now,” he said.
There were still several roads and streets closed for traffic after floods on Wednesday.
“In Soweto, we have the Jo’burg roads agency moving in to try and make a catchment area for Mtipa Street which runs parallel with Klipvalley Road in Orlando West. Klipvalley Road is not accessible to motorists,” warned Morokane.
In Kliptown, both sides of the railway between Walter Sisulu square and Chris Hani road were still under water and there was a fast-moving current which was very dangerous for pedestrians and motorists, he said.
The emergency services were keeping a close eye on “hot spots” such as Alexandra, the Buccleuch interchange, the corner of Rivonia and Witkoppen Roads in Sunninghill, some parts of the R59 on the Vereeniging Road and some parts of the West Rand near Florida lake.
“Motorists should exercise caution when travelling in all low-lying areas,” said Morokane.
Floods resulting from heavy rain in Johannesburg over the past few days on Wednesday left thousands of people displaced.
“About 1 200 families have been housed in community halls and schools around the city,” he said.
People were being accommodated at Kliptown, Protea South and Orlando West community halls in Soweto, as well as Orlando high school and a church hall in Orlando while a church in Alexandra was also helping out.
“We are calling upon big business to please donate flood parcels, clothing, whatever they can to mitigate the effects of the near disaster,” said Morokane. – Sapa