Heavy rains and flooding in Lenasia, South of Joburg has forced residents to use small boats and canoes to rescue community members stuck in their houses following overnight heavy rains that resulted in flooding in many parts of the City including in Soweto Protea Glen.
Sadia Mohammed who’s in-laws were trapped in one of the houses in Extension 1 said authorities have been warned about occasional flooding in the area but failed to act.
“The residents are saying they have been complaining about floods occurring during rainy season for years but the government didn’t do anything,” she said
While Kasifan Sheik said she lost all her belongings when it rained non-stop the whole night.
“This morning at around 7, the water level started going up in a matter of seconds everything started moving and we had to be evacuated,” she said.
Sheik said she managed to save her dog, laptop and cellphones.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson Xolani Fihla said Soweto and streets in Roodepoort around Florida Lake have been the hardest hit by heavy rains which resulted in flooding.
“In Soweto, Moroka’s Ncube Drive and Soweto Highway were flooded and traffic remained stagnant throughout the day,” Fihla said while pointing out that there were no injuries even in an accident which happened in Kliptown .
Meanwhile the SA Weather Service has issued more flood warnings and authorities have warned residents to take precautions.
Private emergency services in Johannesburg have rescued more than 50 people who were trapped in their cars and houses.
Pulsate Emergency Services Spokesperson Michaela brahim said the victims include elderly women and children.
“In total there were 50 people, mostly elderly women on medication and young children. We are going back to see if there is more so far so good.”
Johannesburg Emergency Services Spokesperson Xolani seven people were rescued in Eldorado Park .
Eldorado Park Councillor Margaret Arnolds called on the government to give shelter to those whose houses have been flooded.
