Rains bring huge relief to drought-affected Gauteng as Vaal Dam level rises

The Vaal Dam is now 71.62% full. "Huge increase since last night‚" a grateful Johannesburg Water announced on Wednesday.

The steady rainfall the province has received in the past two days has brought relief to residents and Metro officials. On Tuesday‚ Johannesburg Water said: "54mm rainfall received in Vaal Dam catchment area over the past 24 hours alone! The water level is now just below 65%."

Gauteng Weather ‏@tWeatherSA excitedly announced this fun fact: "The Vaal Dam has received the volume of almost one Olympic-sized swimming pool EVERY SECOND over the past 24 hours!!!"

The dam's level rising to above 70% means it is "racing to over 20 month highs‚" weather forecasters said.