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5 Jan 2011

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in Mpumalanga would like to warn all residents of the province, to be on full alert as heavy rains and windstorms have been predicted for the province for the next few days. A special warning is being made to those living in low laying areas and next to flood lines, to extremely cautious as the continued rains can lead to the increase of dam and river levels thus making small streams very dangerous.

The department has also instructed all municipalities to be on full alert and on standby especially in the Nkangala District where the weather forecast predicts heavy showers and thunderstorms. Weather patterns indicate that rains will continue for the next few days.

The department would like to advice communities to take the following precautions in the event of floods occurring:

• Move to higher ground if flooding is possible
• Before crossing a river, either on foot or in a vehicle check whether water level is raising
• In the event of thunderstorms avoid being in an open field, do not seek shelter from high trees and avoid being underneath teal structures
• People should try and secure their houses especially the roofs as some of the rains might be accompanied by strong winds.

In the event of possible flooding communities must call the department’s disaster toll free number 0800 202 507. The department would also like to warn all road users to be careful as the roads are wet and to always keep a safe following distance.

Contact:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931

Issued by: Mpumalanga Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
5 Jan 2011

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