National disaster centre on high alert

Various SA disaster agencies have been put on high alert after heavy flooding. Image: DWAF

This includes constantly monitoring the situation and co-ordinating the necessary relief aid and rescue operations through the Joint Operations Centres that have already been activated for this purpose.

Incidents of flooding were reported from early last week over the eastern parts of North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces, as well as parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

Incidents range from damaged housing infrastructure to washed away roads and bridges.

"Four people are reported to have lost their lives due to drowning and 290 are displaced. Twelve people have been rescued and one was reported missing. The NDMC has further requested the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to be on standby with helicopters to rescue flood victims," the Ministry of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs said.

The ministry urged communities living in flood prone areas to take extra precaution. Motorists are also encouraged to remain vigilant while driving under wet conditions to minimise accidents on the roads.

"The NDMC encourages the public to regularly follow weather forecasts in the media and contact their local authorities for assistance.

"The NDMC is ready to assist with search and rescue services as well as emergency relief funding should this be required by the affected provinces," the ministry said.

It is in constant communication with the SA Weather Services, SANDF and NATJOINTS structures as well as Provincial Disaster Management Centres to ensure the effective coordination of the issuing of warnings as well as relief and rescue services.