Floods wreak havoc in South Africa

Four days of heavy rain has caused widespread flooding across eastern parts of South Africa. Emergency services have warned that the risk of further flooding will remain across low-lying areas in and around Johannesburg at least until Friday, especially in the north of Gauteng.

At least three people have been killed while 100 households were displaced by the flooding. Some people had to be rescued from their cars as they crossed an overflowing river in the Lowveld. Seven people were also found stranded on their rooftops as the floodwaters engulfed their houses.

Johannesburg’s Metro Police are warning of widespread flooding. Many roads have been closed and some bridges have been washed away. A number of large potholes have also appeared over the last few days.

Pretoria has witnessed 112mm of rain during the past two days. Meanwhile, over than 140mm of rain has fallen in the south of the Kruger since Sunday, with more rain expected up to this weekend.

Water shortages are now expected across Mpumalanga into this weekend. Many water pumps have either been washed away or buried by mudslides. This also suggests the possible risk of water related illness in the days.