Cape Town’s dam levels have increased to 46.7% as of Monday May 27, more than double what they were last year when they stood at 23.4%. This is the second time in seven months that the Mother City’s dam levels have risen.
The Cape has begun receiving rain for the past few days ahead of the rainy season, and approximately 8mm of water fell since last week.
Although no rain is predicted for this week, a weather warning has been issued for the Cape at large for this evening:
A Severe Weather Alert was issued by the Cape Town Weather Office as follows:
Hazard: Heavy Rain
Alert Level: Watch
Expect from 4pm till 11pm on Monday, May 27
Area: Expected over the eastern mountainous regions of the Garden Route late afternoon today into the evening.
PRECAUTIONS: Flooding / Heavy Rain
– If possible stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles.
– If trapped in flooding in a vehicle, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level.
– Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building.
– In rural areas protect/relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground. Abandon your home immediately if evacuation is recommended before access is cut off by flood water.
– NEVER drive on a road covered by water. You do not know how deep it is or if the road has been washed away. -If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
– Be especially cautious at night when it’s harder to recognize flood dangers.
– Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
Report any incidents to the Garden Route DM Disaster Management Centre at 044-805 5071.
Picture: Pixabay
