Severe storms escalate in Gauteng, residents urged to avoid flood risks

The Gauteng Provincial Government has issued urgent warnings to residents as severe summer weather continues to intensify, with persistent heavy rainfall, powerful thunderstorms and localised flooding creating hazardous conditions across the province.

Driven by a developing La Niña pattern, fast-moving storm systems are threatening communities throughout Gauteng.

The government has confirmed that while disaster structures remain fully activated, safety risks are escalating and residents must strictly adhere to official alerts to prevent injuries, fatalities and avoidable damage.

Provincial disaster teams on high alert

MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, said the Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) briefed the Local Government Turnaround Strategy weekly meeting on Thursday evening, reviewing the province’s state of readiness in response to the abnormal rainfall.

“The session reviewed early impacts, assessed municipal response capacity and confirmed the activation of emergency protocols to safeguard communities as weather conditions
deteriorate,” he stated.

Additionally, Mamabolo confirmed that the PDMC and all municipal disaster management centres remain on full alert, with continuous monitoring of storm activity and rapid-response teams on standby.

“The storms we are experiencing are unpredictable and fast-moving. We urge all residents to stay vigilant, follow official updates and avoid any situation that may place their lives at risk.”

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Saturated ground conditions amplify risk

The MEC emphasised that the combination of abnormal weather patterns and already saturated ground conditions requires communities to treat every warning with the utmost seriousness.

He urged residents to avoid flooded areas and immediately report hazardous situations.

Mamabolo emphasised the need to steer clear of low-lying bridges, flooded roads, and underpasses, and urged the public to limit travel during severe weather conditions.

Furthermore, he encouraged communities to report blocked drains, sinkholes, damaged roads, burst pipes, or any emerging hazards so that response teams can act quickly.

“Warnings issued by the South African Weather Service and the PDMC must be treated as protective measures as they are designed to save lives,” he stated.

Enhanced early warning systems activated

According to Gauteng Cogta, the province strengthened its early warning capability to ensure real-time weather alerts reach residents through WhatsApp, SMS, email and social media channels.

“The province’s summer readiness plan, approved by the National Disaster Management Centre, has introduced a uniform disaster-response system across all municipalities to support quicker activation and more coordinated emergency action,” the department detailed.

Mamabolo said the ongoing work across disaster preparedness, infrastructure and community safety reflects a disciplined, province-wide effort to stabilise municipalities and protect communities during this critical period.

“Our priority is to safeguard lives during this period of abnormal weather while continuing to strengthen service delivery across all municipalities. Gauteng is acting with urgency, and we will continue issuing updates to keep the public informed and safe,” he said.

The provincial department pledged to issue regular advisories throughout the summer season and urged residents to stay vigilant, follow official guidance, and prioritise safety at all times.