Tshwane on storm alert

2009-01-12 13:11

Pretoria - The City of Tshwane's disaster management centre was placed on alert on Monday after heavy rains fell over Pretoria.

The city said it had received a weather alert from Weather Services and that a storm with heavy rain was predicted.

This could lead to road flooding and reduced visibility affecting Tshwane.

"The community safety department has already dispatched Metro Police to oversee traffic flow in busy intersections and to close certain roads if need arise.

"The department's Disaster Management Centre has also been placed on alert." The community safety department has two 24-hour call centres and the public can report emergencies by calling 012-310-6400/6300.

For metro-related incidents they can contact 012-358-7095/6.

As part of the emergency plan, radio stations were requested to broadcast a warning message to the general public for possible road flooding and reduced visibility.

Motorists were also requested to be extra cautious when driving and especially to avoid low water bridges.

People who lived close to water courses should also monitor their environment and be on alert for possible flooding.

The city's departments have been placed on alert to deal with any eventuality.

These are health and social development (integrated community development - social workers) and the housing department.

An operations centre comprising various departments has been activated and will deal with any eventualities.

The storm, which showed no signs of letting up by 13:30, was expected to end at 13:30.

- SAPA