[UPDATE 11/11: The Vaal Dam water levels have risen to 26.5, as of yesterday, 10th November]

Although Joburg experienced torrential rains across the city and its surrounds yesterday, little rainfall was recorded in the Vaal area.

According to the Gauteng Weather Twitter account, 16.5mm of rain has fallen in Joburg and its surrounds since Monday. However, not as much rainfall has been recorded in the Vaal area.

On Monday, the Vaal Dam levels were at 26.3%. By yesterday, according to Rand Water, it had only risen to 26.4% after 1.5mm of rainfall was recorded.

By Sunday, the dam levels are projected to have dropped to 25.8%, which no doubt will have a negative effect on the need for residents to reduce water usage in the province, as the dam is at one of its lowest levels in history.

On Monday, the Department of Water and Sanitation tapped into its reserves in the Sterkfontein Dam to help raise water levels in the Vaal. This exercise will continue until the end of Decemeber.

More heavy rain on its way

Warnings of more heavy rain and hail in Joburg between 2pm and 11pm have been issued for today and it’s also expected that it will rain on Friday and Saturday, as well.

Yesterday’s rains have so far claimed six lives, after a number of people drowned. An unspecified number of people are reportedly missing.

[Image – CC Public Domain]