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Parts of Gauteng to be Declared Disaster Areas

Gauteng Premier David Makhura intends to declare parts of Gauteng ‘disaster areas’, following the recent violent and fatal flash floods in Joburg and the East Rand which have left at least six people dead in South Africa. Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni experienced their worst flash floods in decades on Wednesday – after experiencing a long drought – causing […]

11-11-16 20:03

Gauteng Premier David Makhura intends to declare parts of Gauteng ‘disaster areas’, following the recent violent and fatal flash floods in Joburg and the East Rand which have left at least six people dead in South Africa.

joburg-storm-by-zubair-sayed
Photo of the storm over Joburg on Wednesday, by Zubair Sayed Source: Twitter

Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni experienced their worst flash floods in decades on Wednesday – after experiencing a long drought – causing extensive damage to infrastructure, vehicles and the loss of homes, including almost 200 that were destroyed in Alexandra.

OR Tambo International Airport and national roads were flooded on Wednesday afternoon, 09 November 2016, with many vehicles washed away including a reported 100 cars on the N3. The downpour of rain and hail was so heavy and fast that some motorists were trapped in their vehicles as the water rose so quickly.

Photo: Moe Mohammed
Photo: Moe Mohammed

Joburg has already received more than its average November rainfall of 117mm. On Wednesday, in less than three hours, OR Tambo International Airport received 90mm of rain… resulting in the lower basement parking flooding and part of the roof caving in.

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Source: Twitter

SA Weather Service has reminded people that it is an offence to send hoax messages following a hoax ER24 voice note sent earlier today.

The weather service has issued a warning to the Midvaal and Emfuleni municipalities for today and tomorrow – “severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, large hail, strong wind.”

Residents and motorists are urged to be on high alert and to avoid crossing flooded bridges and roads.

A woman cries as her car is washed away in Joburg flash flood on Wednesday

The devastation after the Jozi storm

https://twitter.com/GateInv/status/796973285959405568