Residents share harrowing experiences as floods devastate parts of Johannesburg
Heavy rains wreaked havoc across several parts of Johannesburg this week, leaving residents in shock as the Joburg floods tore through homes, roads, and businesses. Areas including Randpark Ridge, Newlands, Strubens Valley, Weltevredenpark, Jukskei Park, and Witkoppen Road were severely affected, with walls collapsing, motorists stranded, and homes inundated.
‘It Looked Like the Vaal River Coming Down’
Residents of Weltevreden Park were among the hardest hit. Rina Raath, whose home was flooded, described the experience as terrifying.
“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. It looked like the Vaal River coming down,” Raath told The Citizen.
Inside her house, water levels rose to about a meter, turning her living room into a muddy river. “This is nature. You must just be happy that you are still alive,” she added.
Patience Immaculate Mujeni, another resident of Weltevreden Park, recalled hearing a loud “boom” before water surged into her home. “I thought it was a tree falling, but then I saw water rushing in. My son was traumatised,” she said.
Bridges Flooded, Motorists Rescued
In Jukskei Park, the Platina Bridge was completely submerged as the Klein Jukskei River burst its banks. Emergency services rescued two motorists whose vehicles were trapped in rising floodwaters.
“One driver was saved while trying to cross the flooded Platina Bridge along Witkoppen Road, and another in Weltevreden Park,” said City of Johannesburg spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi.
Collapsed Walls and Horses Running Free
Several walls collapsed due to the intense floods, including in the Honey Bee residential complex and on Dale Lace Avenue in Randpark Ridge. In a dramatic turn of events, a collapsed wall in Randpark Ridge led to horses running loose in a nearby residential complex.
Property Damage and Business Losses
Kyle Woodward, a Jukskei Park resident, suffered property damage as floodwaters rushed into his home. “This has happened to me multiple times before. We need a permanent solution,” he said.
Newlands business owner Sihle Mvelase faced severe losses when his dry-cleaning shop was flooded, damaging many customers’ clothes.
More Heavy Rains Expected
The South African Weather Services (SAWS) has issued warnings for more thunderstorms in Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. Residents are urged to remain cautious as emergency services remain on high alert.
Also read: KZN Hit by Another Devastating Flood as Recovery Efforts Continue
