Vaal Dam water levels surge to 109%, forcing the Department of Water and Sanitation to open a fifth sluice gate and issue evacuation alerts across Gauteng and downstream communities.
Emergency Alert: Fifth Sluice Gate Opened at Vaal Dam as Water Levels Exceed Capacity
Following days of non-stop rainfall, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has officially opened the fifth sluice gate at the Vaal Dam, raising concerns over flooding in low-lying areas across Gauteng and parts of the Free State.
With water levels now standing at a dangerous 109% capacity, authorities are urging residents near the Vaal River system—especially those within 100 meters of the riverbanks—to evacuate immediately.
“We had to open the fifth sluice gate this morning due to the rapid rise in inflows from upstream catchments,” said DWS spokesperson Wisane Mavasa on Sunday, April 6. “The dam has surged from 107.8% to 109% in just 24 hours.”
Communities in the Danger Zone
The Vaal Dam, which forms part of the critical Integrated Vaal River System, supplies water to large parts of Gauteng, including Johannesburg and the Vaal Triangle. However, due to consistent heavy rainfall, the dam’s overflow has now placed nearby communities at serious risk.
Areas Urged to Evacuate Include:
- Parys and surrounding settlements
- Vereeniging and low-lying suburbs
- Communities near the Barrage Dam
- Downstream areas along the Lower Vaal catchment
Bloemhof Dam Also Reaching Critical Levels
The rising floodwaters are not stopping at Vaal. The Bloemhof Dam, further downstream, is also showing signs of pressure—now sitting at 106% capacity. The department is releasing water at a rate of 1.4 cubic meters per second, incrementally increased until late afternoon to manage the flow.
“We’re doing all we can to contain the overflow, but water is unpredictable. It’s critical for communities to act now and not wait until the water arrives,” said Mavasa.
Evacuation Measures and Safety Protocols
The department is urging residents, especially those living within flood-prone areas, to follow official evacuation guidelines. Farmers are also being cautioned to move agricultural equipment, including pump stations and irrigation systems, away from riverbanks.
Recommended Safety Actions:
- Evacuate immediately if within floodplain zones
- Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or bridges
- Monitor SA Weather Service and DWS social media for updates
- Relocate valuable assets and livestock to higher ground
- Help vulnerable family members or neighbours with transport and relocation
Long-Term Flood Management in Play
While the department is considering slowing down sluice gate releases over the coming days, this decision will depend heavily on future rainfall patterns. For now, the risk remains extremely high for communities along the Vaal and Orange Rivers.
“Our long-term goal is to exit the rainy season with all infrastructure intact and water systems filled—but without loss of life or property,” Mavasa emphasized.
Final Word
With weather warnings still in effect and dams operating above full capacity, South Africans in the affected regions are urged to remain alert, cooperate with emergency personnel, and evacuate where necessary.
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