Heavy rain is bitter-sweet occurrence

Caution should be taken around water, writes Marcus Monyakeni, department of water, sanitation.

Recently, there have been flash floods in some parts of the country. This phenomenon happens in a short time and is caused mainly by climate change.

The flash floods were coupled with heavy hail, which damaged properties and injured people and animals. Plantations were also destroyed.

The department of water and sanitation acknowledges the rain that drenched most parts of the country, positively raising water levels in rivers and dams.

The improvement of water levels as a result of the recent rains is, however, a bitter-sweet occurrence due to the destruction it leaves. Members of the public are advised not to participate in any form of water activities in heavy-flowing rivers or at isolated dams.

There could be a heavy current in the water and dangerous debris.

Therefore, the public is urged to stay away from rivers and dams.

It is understandable that changing weather patterns switching from normal temperatures to extreme heatwaves cause people to seek places where they can cool off.

Children look for pools to cool off and this could be dangerous for them, especially when they are being unsupervised.

During these summer days, children play near water, be it stagnated water, dams and rivers and incidents of drownings are being reported.

The department calls on community members to refrain from engaging in situations that could be detrimental to their lives.

The department also calls for those who practise baptisms or traditional ceremonies in rivers to be vigilant as water levels in rivers are still high.

School excursions at places of water should also be taken with extreme caution, particularly following heavy rain. There is usually a strong flow of water and a strong current in the river, even if the water on surface seems to be still.

Water is a very powerful force and it cannot be taken lightly. In areas that are affected by flash floods, extreme caution should be taken around places of water.

Water safety is very important to both young and old. As South Africans, let us practice a culture of safety around water resources and even in our swimming pools. Death and injury in water areas can be avoided.