The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has warned the public to take precautions after opening floodgates to relieve pressure on the Vaal Dam.
The DWS Hydrological Service said it had opened six floodgates from the Vaal Dam on Wednesday.
He said this caused a high volume of water that came out of the water release.
Spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said residents should be cautious of the rising water.
Prevention
Opening the flood gates caused an increase in the outflow of the Bloemhof Dam, with an increase from 1000m³/s to more than 1200m³/s.
“The community of Bloemhof and its surroundings in [the] District Municipality Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati was warned about the high volume of water coming out of the Bloemhof Dam water release and the department further alerted all communities especially in the downstream areas to stay away from the Dam and avoid the low level bridges as they are slippery at this time. ,” said Mavasa.
Dam level
Mavasa said heavy rains have raised the level.
“While the department will operate and ensure the dam remains safe and functioning optimally, it is important for the downstream community to understand that there is a need to release water.”
“What’s more, the province’s dam level is rising because it’s continuous,” he said.
Also read: WATCH: Kruger Park warns visitors of closed roads and flooded bridges
Mavasa shows an overview of current dam levels in the North West province.
“Hartbeespoort Dam was at 97.3% last week, now at 99.6% while Madikwe Dam was at 49%, now at 72%.
People are swept away
Meanwhile, in Gauteng, Joburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) on Wednesday called off the search for a person who fell into the river in Diepsloot.
According to reports, the man fell into the river near School Road during heavy rain on Sunday.
Joburg EMS spokesperson Xolile Khumalo said the search for the man would continue on Thursday.
“There are no findings to report and the search will continue,” he said.
Also read: Joburg EMS searches for people swept away by flood