Vaal Residents Told to Prepare for Evacuation as Dam Levels Rise

Residents along the Vaal River were urged today to prepare for possible evacuation after days of heavy rain pushed the Vaal Dam slightly above full capacity. Authorities have opened sluice gates, warning that conditions at both Vaal and Bloemhof dams could shift quickly if inflows increase.

The Department of Water and Sanitation advised communities in the flood line to move valuables and livestock to higher ground and avoid low lying areas. Disaster management teams remain on standby and say formal evacuation orders will be issued if water levels continue to rise.