Johannesburg’s emergency services urged caution near bridges and rivers on Thursday as another night of heavy rains raised flood fears.
”Please move away from the water line and don’t cross low-lying bridges,” said Malcolm Midgley as his colleagues set up an emergency rescue base in Alexandra, a known danger point in times of heavy rains.
Ropes and boats will be in place at the base near the Marlboro Bridge on the far east bank of the township, in anticipation of drivers or pedestrians being swept away.
Meanwhile, a tow-truck driver rescued a woman who was swept away in her car while crossing a bridge on Witkoppen Road in Sunninghill.
First Road Emergency driver Jean Swiegers managed to pull the woman to safety and retrieve her car, his colleague, only identified as Deon, said while Swiegers rested from his overnight shift.
”It has been hectic this morning,” said Deon.
According to metro police spokesperson Wayne Minnaar, a woman died and 16 people were seriously injured in a head-on collision between two taxis on the Golden Highway.
”People must exercise caution and drive carefully,” said Minnaar.
Witkoppen Road was blocked between Rivonia and Cambridge roads and the roads between John and 18th street in Alexandra were also closed.
”The alternative route that can be used is Rivonia and Leeuwkop roads, and London and Rooseveldt roads.
The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry said that at this stage there is no emergency situation near Standerton’s Grootdraai Dam, which has now dropped to being 109% full after a release of water.
”The situation is fairly under control,” said Amelius Muller, chief director for regions.
The Vaal Dam is expected to rise to 55%, which, combined with back-up from supplies at the Sterkfontein Dam, has eased drought fears.
”We are very thankful for it,” said Muller, cautioning, though, that water restrictions might have to remain in the Free State, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. — Sapa