Gauteng Premier David Makhura says parts of the country’s economic hub will be declared as disaster areas after the loss of life and damage caused by the recent fierce flash floods.
Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni were hit hard by heavy rain and flooding on November 9‚ which caused extensive damage to infrastructure‚ homes‚ vehicles and killed at least six people. OR Tambo International Airport was also severely impacted.
The Gauteng Executive Council on Wednesday declared a state of disaster in parts of the province‚ in terms of the Disaster Management Act.
Makhura has conveyed his condolences to families who lost loved ones.
“We are taking the necessary steps to declare a disaster so that we can tap into all available resources to assist those affected by the flash floods and ongoing heavy downpours to rebuild their lives‚” he said.
- WATCH: Tornado rips through Ennerdale, leaves trail of destruction in its wake At least 50 households were damaged in Ennerdale, south of Johannesburg, after a minor tornado ripped through the suburb on Monday.
The provincial government urged Gauteng residents to be “extra cautious” in the event of more heavy rainfall. Rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Tshwane and Johannesburg at the weekend.
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Ismail Vadi said no provincial roads were structurally damaged by the floods. He said the department’s emergency road maintenance teams were on standby to assist the disaster management services in the event of more flooding.
Extreme weather saw about 50 homes damaged and 200 people affected after a minor tornado touched down earlier this week in Ennerdale‚ south of Johannesburg.
– TMG Digital
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