Pretoria — Government has sent its condolences to the families of those who were killed in yesterday’s heavy floods.
Six people died due to the flash floods and a three-year-old girl is still missing in Alexandra.
The downpour battered some parts of Gauteng on Wednesday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction, with many cars being swept away and some homes being flooded.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and those that were injured and affected by the storm. It is sad and unfortunate that a child went missing yesterday during the floods,” Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director General Donald Liphoko said.
The police are hard at work searching for the child.
Liphoko said government empathises with those who have lost their properties and belongings during this time.
The Gauteng Provincial Government has activated the disaster management centre to coordinate investigations into the extent of damage caused by the flash floods.
The SA Weather Service has issued an alert for severe thunderstorms in Gauteng today.
Community members are advised to avoid crossing low lying bridges, streams and rivers; and encouraged motorists to exercise caution and avoid driving on flooded areas.
Motorists are advised to pay attention to barricades and to not drive through standing water on roads or in parking lots.
During heavy rains, motorists must be on special alert near dips in the highway and near low-lying bridges. Parents are also advised to keep children away from playing in and near drainage ditches and storm water drains.
In the event of an emergency, residents of Gauteng should call the emergency management services on 10177.