Residents living along Orange and Vaal rivers warned to steer clear of flood-prone zones

JOHANNESBURG - The Water and Sanitation Department is urging residents evacuated near the Vaal and Orange river banks to stay away from flood-prone areas as conditions remain dangerous.

Since last month, sluice gates have been gradually opened at several dams, including Vaal and Bloemhof, to release excess water.

While some gates have since been closed, others remain open to manage high inflows.

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The department said several dams were still above normal levels and the situation was being closely monitored.

Spokesperson Wisane Mavasa has warned residents not to return to oversaturated floodlines as the risk of renewed flooding remains high.

"The Orange River, the Gariep and the Vanderkloof Dams are sitting at 108.70% and 108.31% [capacity] respectively and still spilling. Together with the discharges from Bloemhof Dam, this has led to rising water levels in the lower Orange River, affecting settlements along the river up to Upington in the Northern Cape."