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Evacuations Underway as Vaal Dam Overflows Past 109% Capacity
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has opened a fifth sluice gate at the Vaal Dam following days of persistent rainfall, warning residents in low-lying areas to evacuate immediately.
Officials monitoring the Vaal Dam, which is a crucial water source for Gauteng, confirmed the dam has exceeded full capacity, reaching 109%. DWS spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said the latest gate was opened on Sunday morning, less than 24 hours after the fourth was released.
“This is due to the rapid rise in inflows from upstream sources. The dam has increased from 107.8% to 109% in just a short time,” Mavasa said.
The outflows at the dam will move from 550 cubic metres per second
(mᵌ/s) to just under 700 mᵌ/s. The inflows into the dam are currently 1000 m3/s. https://t.co/prAWaSsclg— Water&SanitationRSA (@DWS_RSA) April 6, 2025
Urgent Evacuation Orders
The rising water is expected to reach the Barrage within six hours. Authorities have urged communities living within 100 meters of the riverbanks near the Barrage to evacuate immediately to avoid the risk of flooding.
Mavasa emphasized the urgency, warning that people who remain in the flood-prone zones may be caught off guard by the fast-moving water.
Also Read: Why a Full Vaal Dam Doesn’t Solve Johannesburg’s Water Crisis
Bloemhof Dam Also Rising
The situation downstream is also escalating. Water is flowing rapidly into the Bloemhof Dam, which is now sitting at approximately 106% capacity.
“To manage the inflows, we are increasing water releases from Bloemhof Dam at a rate of 1.4 cubic meters per second. This will continue incrementally until at least 16:00 today,” Mavasa noted.
Impact on Communities and Infrastructure
Residents and farmers in areas such as Parys and the lower Vaal catchment are advised to move to safer ground. Those with farming equipment or infrastructure near rivers are being urged to remove their assets to avoid damage.
“We’re particularly concerned about infrastructure within the 100-year floodline or within 100 meters of the riverbanks,” said Mavasa. “Overflow is highly likely given the current water release volumes.”
Future Outlook
While the department hopes to reduce gate openings in the coming days, decisions will depend on updated weather forecasts. Mavasa stressed that although predictions can change, proactive evacuation remains the safest course of action.
“Our top priorities are protecting lives and preserving infrastructure, while ensuring we maintain a healthy water storage level for the season ahead,” she concluded.
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Sourced:The Citizen
Picture: Water & Sanitaion RSA
