More heavy rains expected in South Africa

AllAfrica.com, via Bua News (Tshwane): More heavy rains are expected to hit at least four provinces on Thursday, warned the South African Weather Services. In a warning issued late on Wednesday, the Weather Services forecasted heavy rains in the Western Cape in the Overberg, the Cape Winelands and Eden districts, and in parts of the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Several areas in the Western Cape and Free State have already experienced heavy rainfall, hail and strong winds which have lashed the area. Speaking to BuaNews on Thursday, Head of disaster management in the Overberg region, Reinard Geldenhuys said various homes in Hermanus were also flooded.

"In Hermanus, 100 people were evacuated as a result of the flooding, while reports of water running through houses in Fernkloof, Hermanus, were also received." Two people were rescued by helicopter in the Greyton area of the Western Cape after being surrounded by floodwater on Wednesday.

In addition, the Bads River at Caledon, the Buffeljags River at the Suurbraak and Buffeljags river holiday resort and the Riviersonderend River at Greyton and Helderstroom were flooded. Mr Geldenhuys said additional resources were being kept on standby and ongoing monitoring is in place for the next few days.

….Police and emergency services have been placed on high alert in preparation for devastating flash flooding throughout South Africa in days and weeks to come.