Joburg EMS on High Alert After Severe Storm Warnings
Heavy rains swept through Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane on Thursday, flooding several districts and causing major traffic disruptions. Videos online showed water entering Golden Walk Mall in Germiston and parts of the Gillooly’s Interchange submerged.
After a day of persistent downpours and localized flooding, residents across Gauteng have been urged to prepare for further severe storms on Friday. Emergency Management Services (EMS) remain on standby to monitor low-lying zones and conduct search-and-rescue operations if necessary.
Flooded Areas and Ongoing Risks
Several suburbs experienced overwhelmed drainage systems, including Alberton, Bedfordview, Krugersdorp, and Sunninghill. Other flood-prone areas under close watch include Alex, Benoni, Centurion, the Johannesburg CBD, and Soweto. Regions near the Jukskei and Hennops Rivers, as well as major routes such as the M1 and N3, face particular risk where blocked drains or waste worsen flooding.
“We remain on high alert, together with our aquatics unit, which is a specialised team, tasked with responding to water related emergencies.” — Robert Mulaudzi, Joburg EMS spokesperson
Weather Service Alert and Safety Measures
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned that further storms could lead to local damage to infrastructure, vehicles, and property. Residents are advised to move to higher ground if waters rise, keep children away from fast-flowing currents, and report any flooding or stranded vehicles to emergency services.
Authorities noted that while the weekend has begun on a soggy note, continued vigilance could prevent more serious consequences on Saturday.
Author’s Summary
Authorities across Gauteng are maintaining high readiness as more storms threaten flood-prone regions, urging public caution to mitigate further damage.