Gauteng activates disaster teams ahead of severe storms today

Disaster management structures in Gauteng have been put on alert today, Friday 6 November, because of a warning of severe thunderstorms. SAnews reported that the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has activated its disaster measures after the National Forecast Centre issued the warning.

Areas covered by the warning

According to SAnews, the warning applies to much of Gauteng and also reaches the south-western Highveld region of Mpumalanga. The municipalities named are:

• City of Johannesburg
• City of Tshwane
• Ekurhuleni
• Lesedi
• Midvaal
• Dipaleseng
• Emalahleni
• Govan Mbeki
• Lekwa
• Pixley Ka Seme
• Victor Khanye

CoGTA says it has notified disaster management bodies at provincial and municipal level. It has asked municipalities to put their contingency plans into action and to coordinate their preparations and response. Emergency services and other role-players should be ready to move, and communities should receive warnings in good time.

The department also wants municipalities to keep watch on informal settlements, low-lying areas and roads that tend to flood, and to work with provincial structures if conditions worsen. Through the National Disaster Management Centre, CoGTA will keep tracking the situation and back response efforts where needed.

What the storms could do

Strong winds, hail and heavy rain are expected. The department warned that these could lead to flooding, damage to homes and other property, and short-term interruptions to electricity and communications. Possible impacts listed include:

• damage to or loss of infrastructure, formal and informal settlements, vehicles, livelihoods and livestock;
• flooded roads and low-lying areas, with some bridges and roads closing;
• displacement of affected communities.

What this means for you

If you live or work in one of the listed areas, CoGTA advises the following:

• Stay indoors if you can, and keep away from metal objects.
• Do not shelter under trees or other tall objects.
• Avoid fishing or playing golf, because rods and clubs conduct electricity.
• Do not cross flooded roads, bridges or low-lying areas.

Commuters heading home on Friday afternoon should plan for possible road closures and delays. It is also sensible to charge phones and have a backup light source in case the power goes out. Hail, strong wind and heavy rain can be dangerous alone or in combination, the department said.

This story is based on reporting by SAnews.