Flooding to subside in Mpuma
2008-01-25 19:03
Johannesburg - Heavy rains in Mpumalanga are expected to subside over the weekend but there is a possibility of flood waters moving from the catchment of the Olifants River in the direction of Kruger National Park, the water affairs department warned on Friday.
The Olifants River flood situation will remain critical for the next five days as releases from the Witbank and Middelburg dams contribute to rising water levels in the river.
The rains will be lifting and calmer weather conditions are expected over the weekend, said Johann Van Aswegen, regional director for the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry in Mpumalanga.
"The rains seem to be letting up ... and only sporadic showers are expected in certain areas with a lower intensity."
"There is a possibility that the rains will decrease over the coming week and the volume of the dams and rivers will decrease during this ... period," he said.
But any relief will only be temporary. Rains are expected to pick up again in February.
The current floods in Mpumalanga are intense but more severe flooding was recorded in 1996 and 2000, Van Aswegen said.
"Many pump stations and dwellings that are close to rivers and dams have experienced problems.
"People who use low lying bridges are especially affected as they cannot travel. No major routes have been affected and major role players are monitoring the situation constantly," he said.
No deaths had been reported.
- SAPA