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In case you still don’t believe climate change is happening, our country has experienced wildfires, tornados, and severe flooding across various provinces in the space of two months.
The latest to be hit by extreme weather is Johannesburg, with residents trying to recover from the havoc caused by heavy rains and severe flooding across several parts of the city.
City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) officials sprang into action after the flash floods spread rapidly across the city, damaging infrastructure and leaving motorists stranded.
Flood in inner-city of Joburg.#flooding#Flood pic.twitter.com/KlaD53em9m
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) January 5, 2024
The areas affected include Randpark Ridge, Newlands, Strubens Valley, Weltevredenpark, Jukskei Park and Witkoppen Road.
Two residents described the horror of “terrible rain and wind” and the gushing of water that left them scurrying for cover, via The Citizen.
WATCH | Various parts of Joburg are experiencing flash floods. On Wednesday night, EMS spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi urged motorists to exercise caution while driving.
Videos: Supplied pic.twitter.com/D7wLezgNWW
— Sowetan LIVE (@SowetanLIVE) March 5, 2025
Rina Raath, who experienced the flooding in Weltevreden Park, said the adverse weather conditions destroyed a boundary wall at her house.
“The terrible rain first started, and it was pouring, and then all of a sudden, this terrible wind came. There was nothing we could do, we just stood and saw the wall coming down. It looked like the Vaal River coming down.”
Raath said the water level was about a metre high.
“In the living room, the water was like rivers in the house, with the mud and sand and stuff… What can you do? This is nature, you must maar just be happy that you are still alive. My father said you must have respect for nature.”
Another Weltevreden Park resident, Patience Immaculate Mujeni, told The Citizen that she was at home when she heard a massive “boom” – a tree had fallen in her pool, but before she knew it, her whole house was steeped in water.
“Water was just rushing in. I just did not know what to do,” said Mujeni, describing how her family feared for their lives.
“I was trying to get my kids to pick up some things from the floor in their rooms, but it was too late. Fortunately, we have an upstairs, so I told them to climb upstairs and wait for the water to subside. My one son was traumatised.”
Over the past 24 hours, two drivers found themselves in life-threatening situations after attempting to cross flooded low-lying bridges, EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi confirmed via News24 on Thursday. One motorist had to be rescued from the Platina Bridge in Jukskei Park, while another was pulled to safety in Weltevreden Park.
The Klein Jukskei river bursting its banks around Olivedale, Johannesburg yesterday. #JoburgWeather #JoburgStorm #JoburgFloods pic.twitter.com/zi51VqCl7e
— Joel Guy Weather (@JoelGuyWeather) March 6, 2025
Structural damage was also reported in residential areas. A wall collapse at Honey Bee Villas in Honeydew left debris scattered, though no injuries were reported. Another wall came down on Dale Lace Avenue in Randpark Ridge.
Adding to the chaos, roads across the city were littered with debris, further endangering motorists.
“We are urging all motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads,” Mulaudzi warned. “Residents in low-lying areas must avoid crossing river streams at all costs. Our teams remain on high alert, and all fire stations are fully operational.”
EMS teams are closely monitoring all seven regions of the city as the crisis unfolds.
Johannesburg is grappling with severe flooding after heavy rainfall swept through the city.
Reports confirm that flash floods have affected several neighborhoods, including Weltevreden Park, Randpark Ridge, Strubbens Valley, Newlands, and Parkhurst.
Emergency services,… pic.twitter.com/QzNtLR0XYA
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) March 5, 2025
Meanwhile, the SA Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the central and southern regions of Limpopo.
The city remains on edge as emergency teams brace for more potential flooding.
[Sources: News24 & The Citizen]
