Limpopo COGHSTA MEC confident of province\u2019s readiness as Tropical Cyclone Freddy approaches<\/P>
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Limpopo Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional MEC, Basikopo Makamu, says he is confident in the plans and multi-disciplinary teams in place in the Vhembe and Mopani Districts, as the province braces itself to respond to heavy downpours this weekend expected to be ushered in by Cyclone Freddy.<\/P>
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According to the South African Weather Services forecast, it is anticipated that the tropical cyclone will bring heavy rains over the two districts on Saturday and Sunday the 25 and 26 of February.<\/P>
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MEC Makamu has discouraged community members from traveling if not entirely necessary, but warned that if they do, they should avoid running water such as rivers and streams over roads and bridges.<\/P>
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\u201cOur Provincial Disaster Management Centre is in contact with multi-disciplinary teams, made up of our District Disaster Management Centres, Fire and Rescue, Emergency Services, Department of Health, Department of Social Development, Eskom, Ward Councillors and others,\u201d said the MEC.<\/P>
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MEC Makamu has also encouraged Traditional Leaders in these areas to play a role in these teams and assist to ensure the safety of residents.<\/P>
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\u201cOur teams are ready for any eventuality, and we have evacuation plans in place in case of flooding. We encourage those located in waterlogged areas to be ready in case they need to be evacuated,\u201d warned the MEC.<\/P>
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People should adhere to the following Safety tips:<\/P>
\u2022\tPeople living in low-lying areas must take special care during storms, as sudden floods might affect them. They should monitor the rising water levels and evacuate the areas to a safer place or higher spot when the water level rises.<\/P>
\u2022\tDo not cross through flooded roads or bridges \u2013 use other routes.<\/P>
\u2022\tAvoid crossing low-lying bridges, streams and rivers.<\/P>
\u2022\tNever try to walk, swim or drive in swift-flowing water. Even if the water is 15 cm deep, it can sweep you off your feet;<\/P>
\u2022\tMotorist must be very careful and avoid driving through flooded areas.<\/P>
\u2022\tDrive to and park at safer areas.<\/P>
\u2022\tThe public must monitor weather alerts on radio and television.<\/P>
\u2022\tThe public should contact their municipal disaster management centres or the nearest police station or call the national emergency numbers (112, 10177 or 107) when faced with threats.<\/P>
\u2022\tDo not try to drive over a low-water bridge if water is flowing strongly across it and the ground is not visible.<\/P>
\u2022\tTeach your children about the dangers of floods.<\/P>
\u2022\tKeep your important documents in a water-resistant container.<\/P>
\u2022\tKeep your cell phone in close proximity to you and have emergency numbers at hand.<\/P>
\u2022\tBe especially vigilant at night. It is harder to recognise potentially deadly road hazards. – Do not camp or park your car along rivers or washes, especially during heavy rains or thunderstorms.<\/P>
\u2022\tIf you are on foot, be aware that low moving water can also be dangerous during flood conditions. If you come upon moving water, do not walk into it.<\/P>
\u2022\tWhere possible, communities are encouraged to try to avoid contact with any flood waters. The water may be contaminated with raw sewage, oil or other dangerous substances, and may also be charged with electricity from fallen powerlines.<\/P>
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Source: Government of South Africa<\/P>
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Limpopo COGHSTA MEC confident of province\u2019s readiness as Tropical Cyclone Freddy approachesLimpopo Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional MEC, Basikopo Makamu, says he is confident in the plans and multi-disciplinary teams in place i…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n