With more flooding expected, DWS urges residents living near Vaal River to evacuate

JOHANNESBURG - The Water and Sanitation Department continues to urge residents living near the Vaal River to evacuate, as flooding is expected to persist along the riverbanks.

This follows the opening of additional sluice gates at both the Vaal and Bloemhof dams on Sunday, in an effort to reduce the high-water levels.

Communities situated along the Vaal River have been facing ongoing flooding due to controlled water releases at the dams.

READ: DWS opens 4th sluice gate at Vaal Dam to manage water levels

Recent heavy rainfall has significantly increased levels at these dams, prompting authorities to open sluice gates to manage the overflow.

Department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said: "People living within the floodline of the Vaal River downstream of the Vaal and Bloemhof dams and have evacuated should continue to avoid the flooded areas."