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Flooding in various parts of Pretoria
Incidents of flooding were reported to the Tshwane Emergency Services Call Centre, related to the heavy rains experienced in various parts of Pretoria on Friday, 20 November 2020. Major traffic backblocks, flooded road and bridges, vehicles stuck in water, uprooted trees and flooded houses were reported in various parts of the City. Fire fighters had to cut off and remove trees that were uprooted by the storm on Nelson Manadela and Willow in Arcadia, Limpopo and Toermalyn Street in Lyttlelton Manor, Nico Smith and 21st Street in Villeria, Leeds and De Rapper Street in Sunnyside as well Biko and XR Hellen Street in Arcadia. Fire fighters had to clean and clear debris on the low water bridge on Flower Street in Capital after it was flooded. In Dooringpoort on Amendelboom Street, a car was reported to be stuck and floating on water. The occupant of the vehicle managed to escape unharmed and the road was barricaded and temporarily closed. A vehicle that was stuck in water was recovered after the risen water subsided on Steve Biko and Niko Smith Street and two vehicles were also reported to be stuck in water at the Irene Bridge on the Nelmapius Road. The occupants of the vehicles managed to get to safety without any harm. Zeigler Street and End Street in Centurion were also reported to be flooded.
Fire fighters responded to a house that was flooded in Marija Street in Anlin. Upon arrival they found a flooded house where the water had already subsided to knee level, with part of the roof that had collapsed. Five houses were flooded in Motsomi Street, Unit 7b Kudube, Hamanskraal. The Emergency Services Department activated the roads and storm water team through the Regional Operations Department in region 2 to channel the flow of water in that area, in line with the flood incident management plan of the City of Tshwane. The rain also wreaked havoc in parts of Mamelodi where several roads are reported to be flooded leading to traffic congestions and no other incidents were reported. Fire fighters were on high alert around the Centurion Lake and Hotel as the water was observed to be rising significantly. The water subsided without causing any incidents of flooding. The low water bridges mentioned above are known flooding hotspots and we urge drivers to avoid crossing them when water is above the road surface during rainy periods, as they risk being swept away by the water. It is advisable to avoid driving in heavy rainfall if it is not necessary and finding a safe place to park and wait for the rain to subside if already on the road. The water levels along the path of the Apies River through areas such as the Rooiwal, Hamanskraal into Bosplaas and Maubane in the neighbouring Moretele District Municipality remain significantly high and residents and motorists should remain vigilant around those areas. Source: Charles Mabaso, deputy chief: public information and liaison officer, City of Tshwane Emergency Services |
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