The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has issued urgent flood warnings as the Vaal Dam continues to surge past its capacity, prompting the phased opening of additional sluice gates to manage the overflow. As of Friday afternoon, the DWS plans to open the 10th sluice gate, with water levels now reaching an alarming 118.48% — a sharp increase of over 6 percentage points in just 24 hours.
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Rising Water Levels Trigger Flood Risk Along Vaal Dam
Heavy rainfall across Gauteng and surrounding catchment areas has caused an influx of water into the Vaal Dam, forcing authorities to implement a structured sluice gate release schedule to reduce pressure on the dam wall. On Thursday, six sluice gates were already opened, and water management teams have confirmed plans to open four more gates in succession throughout Friday.
The seventh gate was scheduled for 9 a.m., followed by the eighth at 10 a.m., the ninth at 12 p.m., and the tenth by 1 p.m., according to Midvaal councillor Pieter Swart. The operation is part of a critical response to prevent structural failure and minimize uncontrolled flooding.
Swart emphasized the severity of the situation:
“Residents living in low-lying areas next to the river should follow all instructions from emergency authorities. With 10 sluices releasing water by today, flooding downstream is not just likely — it’s inevitable.”
Areas at High Risk of Flooding
The DWS has issued clear warnings for communities along the Vaal River from the dam wall to the Bloemhof Dam, and beyond. These areas include parts of Midvaal, Vaal Marina, Vanderbijlpark, and Parys, where homes, farms, and businesses situated close to the riverbank are especially vulnerable.
Residents are being urged to:
- Evacuate if instructed by authorities
- Secure livestock and equipment
- Shut down electrical installations near the river
- Remove or secure boats, rafts, and other floating structures
Authorities also highlighted that low-lying infrastructure, including irrigation pumps, power units, and pipelines, face serious damage if not promptly removed or elevated.
Dramatic Surge in Water Inflow and Outflow of The Vaal Dam
According to hydrological reports released Friday morning, the Vaal Dam inflow has skyrocketed to 2,448.2 m³/s, while outflow currently sits at 1,113.0 m³/s. This imbalance indicates ongoing pressure buildup, even as sluice gates work to stabilize the dam level.
In comparison, Thursday’s dam statistics show the water level was at 111.64% with an inflow of 1,332.4 m³/s and outflow of 461.1 m³/s. The increase within a single day underscores the urgency of intervention by water authorities.
The Vaal Barrage, a secondary control structure downstream, has also seen a dramatic shift. Its current water level dropped to 6.4m with an outflow of 1,863.1 m³/s, revealing the downstream river’s effort to handle the additional water load.
Community Concerns and Relief Efforts
In response to the escalating flood threat, local media and community groups are stepping in to help affected families. The Vaalweekblad, a sister publication of The Citizen, is actively coordinating relief efforts.
In a social media appeal, the publication called on residents and businesses to donate:
- Temporary accommodation
- Blankets and bedding
- Dry clothing
- Non-perishable food items
“We anticipate a high number of residents in need of help, especially the elderly. Please contact us if you can assist,” said a representative from Vaalweekblad.
Long-Term Infrastructure Concerns
The rising crisis highlights vulnerabilities in South Africa’s water management and flood preparedness systems. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, experts argue that the country must invest in:
- Upgraded dam monitoring technology
- Improved floodplain zoning and planning
- Efficient emergency communication channels
- Reinforcement of riverbank infrastructure
Prepare for Further Escalation
As the 10th sluice gate opens at the Vaal Dam, residents living along the Vaal River are bracing for potentially destructive flooding. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise citizens to stay updated through official channels. With forecasts predicting more rainfall, the situation may worsen before it improves.
For now, the call is clear: stay alert, stay safe, and support your community during what could be one of the most significant flood events in recent years.
