Authorities have issued a warning for communities downstream of major dams as heavy rainfall has caused water levels to rise dramatically overnight.
Continuous rain over already saturated catchments has led to rapid increases in the Vaal Dam, prompting the gradual opening of four more sluice gates throughout the day, bringing the total to ten. As of Saturday morning, the Vaal Dam was recorded at 120.69% capacity, with inflows of over 2,200 cubic metres per second.
The Bloemhof Dam is also seeing increased outflows, rising from 2,000m³/s early in the morning to 3,200m³/s by mid-morning. The Grootdraai Dam, sitting at 110.58% capacity, has expanded its sluice gate openings to handle inflows nearing 970m³/s.
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Further south, the Gariep and Vanderkloof Dams are overflowing due to uncontrolled releases, with storage levels exceeding 106%.
Residents living within the 100-year floodline of the Orange and Vaal rivers have been urged to remain vigilant and to stay clear of flooded areas. Those who have already evacuated are advised not to return until conditions are declared safe, as river catchments remain heavily saturated and further flooding is possible.