Vehicles submerged under heavy flooding in various highways in Johannesburg.
JOHANNESBURG - At least four people have been killed and several people are reported missing after a heavy downpour in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Several cars were swept away on the N3 in Linksfields and over 100 other vehicles were trapped in floodwater.
The storm left various parts of Johannesburg heavily flooded and caused traffic congestion on major highways.
Flooding was reported in other areas like Alexandra township, Midrand, Bedfordview, Bryanston, Sandton, Edenvale and Johannesburg central.
A number of roads remain closed due to damage or blockage from debris. The R55 is closed between Kyalami and Waterfall.
@702JohnRobbie @EWNTraffic @AkiAnastasiou pic.twitter.com/n9pYe8biDf
— Loyiso Ntanzi (@lntanzi) November 10, 2016
Captured from the roof of my car yesterday afternoon #linksfield #floods #flashfloods pic.twitter.com/arRwe2CrJB
— Jason Willemse (@Jason_Willemse) November 10, 2016
#Floods Another incredible video from Linksfield area yesterday. pic.twitter.com/49Fdr81zm5
— Mandy Wiener (@MandyWiener) November 10, 2016
@SakinaKamwendo how are the drainage systems on our highways? #Floods @etolls @SANRAL_za @SANRAL_etoll @GautengProvince pic.twitter.com/aBGKZKAgTs
— #RememberMarikana (@LiberalsAreNaiv) November 10, 2016
It was reported that some flights had to be delayed at OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park and some parking areas were also flooded.
Flights delayed nd access barred @ OR Tambo after flash floods hit the airport. #JoburgFloods #Flashfloods pic.twitter.com/ivPkIIvyuj
— Sinethemba Buthelezi (@SLB4Real) November 9, 2016
However flights have resumed at the airport on Thursday morning but officials are warning motorists to make use of the upper drop level after the lower basement was flooded.
Emergency services urged motorists to avoid areas where flooding was reported and as some roads were closed.
Team Region A clearing up R55 Juskey bridge Kyalami #Jhbtraffic^TK pic.twitter.com/I5Or81ffQ8
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) November 10, 2016
More rain has been forecasted for the rest of the week and Johannesburg Emergency Services has advised motorists to be extra vigilant on the road.
“You cannot judge the water levels by just looking at it,” said Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Nana Radebe.
“People have to know when the road has flooded they must just wait and call emergency services and you must keep a safe distance so that you can allow yourself to go back or rather park on the side and call us and we’ll be able to assist.”
READ: Flash floods kill at least two in Ekurhuleni, flights diverted
The boundary wall at the Johannesburg Zoo collapsed due to the heavy rain.
The zoo says that they were no injuries reported and all staff and animals were accounted for. The zoo however will be closed on Thursday.
The Gauteng provincial government says special attention will be given to townships and areas near rivers.
“The Gauteng government has activated the Johannesburg Disaster Management Centre to coordinate government efforts to investigate the extent of damage and the any need for assistance,” the premier’s office said in a statement.
“The team is looking at houses and informal settlements that have been affected."
“Special attention will be given to areas like Alexandra township particularly the areas along Jukskei river. The Centre will work with all government departments who will be identified to support affected people. We take this opportunity to thank those who extended a helping hand.”
