As water levels increase, the Department of Water and Sanitation has recommended all communities around the Vaal Dam and Orange River to consider evacuating and moving to higher ground.
This is because twelve flood gates were opened at the Vaal Dam and the Bloemhof Dam’s discharge was boosted to 3000 cubic metres per second.
“All residents of villages (and towns) along the banks of the Lower Vaal and Lower Orange Rivers should consider evacuating or relocating to higher ground at least 20 feet above the 1-in-20-year flood line” (a level at which people would likely be safer to be reached by water emanating from the releases).
“These localities should consult municipal development plans, local authorities, and disaster management agencies for flood line positions. Continuous and strong rainfall is forcing rivers to overflow and dams to overflow, according to a statement from the agency.
As water levels rise, the department urged all communities along the Vaal and Orange Rivers, particularly those along the banks of the lower Vaal and lower Orange Rivers, to remain cautious for the possibility of flooding and to consider evacuating and shifting to higher ground.
In addition, the administration asked farmers to remove animals, moveable property, and equipment from riverbanks. It also warned the general populace to avoid any behavior that could endanger their lives.
“The Vaal and Orange River System is experiencing rapid rising water levels as a result of heavy rains, and the department continues to assess and implement measures to mitigate the effects of these floods on its infrastructure and ensure full capacity on its storage reservoirs following the rainfall season.”
The department has implemented flood monitoring and forecasting systems that offer real-time data on rainfall, river, and dam levels in order to obtain accurate information on the current status of flooding.
“Continuous analysis of these data allows the agency to determine the appropriate releases from each dam.”
Since rainfall and floods are natural phenomena and consequently control of the events may be restricted, the department advises against locating important services and human populations within floodplains where there is a risk of frequent flooding within the 1 in 100-year flood line.
»Villages along the Vaal are urged to relocate to higher ground.«