Joburg emergency services on high alert as heavy rains persist into the long weekend

As heavy rains continue to batter parts of Johannesburg, Emergency Management Services (EMS) say they will remain on high alert heading into the long weekend.

The South African Weather Service has maintained a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms, with disruptive rainfall expected to persist across Gauteng. Since the start of the week, continuous downpours have hit several parts of the country, damaging roads and infrastructure and displacing numerous communities.

In Johannesburg, EMS reported that no major incidents or fatalities have been recorded across its seven regions thus far. However, officials warned that conditions can change rapidly. Residents are being urged to remain cautious, particularly around:

Low-lying areas

Flooded roads

Fast-flowing streams

Joburg EMS Spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi emphasised the importance of public safety during this period, particularly regarding water safety and religious practices.

"Monitor young kids to stay away from river streams and drainage channels. We are also pleading with our faith-based organisations who normally visit river streams to conduct cleansing and baptism rituals to stay away from river streams during these rainy periods."