Vaal flood alert
Johannesburg - Communities living along the Vaal Orange River system were warned to stay clear of the rivers on Wednesday as sluice gates were opened to relieve pressure on bulging dams.
"People in the low lying areas should be alerted," said Water Affairs spokesperson Mava Scott.
The department was closely monitoring the rising levels of the Vaal dam after six sluice gates were opened and another three flood gates were expected to be opened on Wednesday.
With the Vaal dam at 105% full due to heavy rains, both the police and Rand Water warned the public of the potential for flooding as the water gushed into the Vaal Barrage Reservoir which runs through Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging.
They urged people to remove pumps and boats and to lay off recreational activities as the water flow will be unpredictable.
"It will also be rather dangerous for people to go too near to the river's embankments during this time," said Superintendent Eugene Opperman.
Water Affairs added that the heavy rain had also affected the Bloemhof Dam in North West which is currently at 112% full.
Flood gates were opened there on Wednesday with heavy water flows expected downstream.
They said that more rain was expected in the Vaal catchment area and more water may be released.
- SAPA
Read more on: weather | floods
Torrential rains and floods in the North West and Gauteng provinces of South Africa have caused disruption, government bodies said earlier today.

The Greater Taung Local Municipality said a disaster area was declared, after 150 homes were affected and one person was confirmed dead from flooding.

Residents were warned to keep away from bridges and rivers, and to drive carefully in the inclement weather. Water Affairs spokesperson Mava Scott commented that "people in the low lying areas should be alerted."

The Vaal Dam, meanwhile, was at 105% full, after six sluice gates were opened. Three more are expected to be opened soon, according to the South African Press Association. The Bloemhof Dam in North West province is 112% full, with flood gates having been opened there earlier today.

Officials encouraged people to remove their boats and pumps, as water flow would not be predictable. "It will also be rather dangerous for people to go too near to the river's embankments during this time," Superintendent Eugene Opperman noted.

Meanwhile, roads to places such as Manokwane, Lokaleng, Khibitswane, Mokgareng, and Pudimoe, were also inundated with water. 800 mine workers from East Rand Mines were evacuated as well.