Severe weather conditions across the Free State have prompted stern warnings to residents to take immediate precautionary measures as dangerous storms continue to batter multiple regions.
Safety precautions urged
Residents are urged to monitor water levels continuously and follow reputable sources to ensure they receive updates in a timely manner. Authorities have specifically advised people to remove anything in or near the Vaal River, including livestock, along the entire length of the river to Bloemhof, to prevent complications during potential flooding.
Following the severe weather conditions over the weekend of 14 to 16 November the Department of Water and Sanitation issued an operational update regarding water management procedures at the Vaal Dam.
Operational procedures
All valves were initially closed before five sluice gate operations were resumed at hourly intervals between 09:00 and 13:00. These controlled releases form part of strategic water management protocols designed to regulate inflows and maintain safe operating levels at the facility.
Ongoing monitoring
A spokesperson for the department confirmed that these measures were implemented as part of controlled releases to manage water inflows and maintain safe operating conditions. The department will continue monitoring the situation and provide regular updates as information becomes available.
Authorities have requested that citizens living in the affected area report any significant changes in river levels immediately. Reports should include precise location details, photographic evidence where possible, and the time of observation.
The department emphasised the importance of public vigilance, urging residents to “stay alert and stay safe” as water management operations continue.
The controlled release operations represent part of ongoing efforts to maintain safe water levels whilst managing the impact of recent severe weather conditions across the region. Regular monitoring and adaptive management strategies will continue as conditions develop.
Current Free State dam capacity levels:
The following dam levels were recorded:
• Vaal Dam: 107.4%
• Allemanskraal Dam: 99.4%
• Armenia Dam: 89.3%
• Bloemhof Dam: 96.5%
• Egmont Dam: 89.2%
• Erfenis Dam: 84.3%
• Fika-Patso Dam: 78.3%
• Gariep Dam: 94.4%
• Groothoek Dam: 45.7%
• Kalkfontein Dam: 94.8%
• Knellpoort Dam: 98.8%
• Koppies Dam: 96.1%
• Krugersdrift Dam: 99.7%
• Metsi-Matsho Dam: 102.6%
• Rustfontein Dam: 45.8%
• Saulspoort Dam: 99.8%
• Sterkfontein Dam: 99.2%
• Tierpoort Dam: 89.8%
• Vaalrivier Barrage Dam: 93.9%
• Vanderkloof Dam: 92.3%
• Welbedacht Dam: 100.0%
Official safety guidelines
The Department of Water and Sanitation urges residents to remain indoors during heavy rainfall and stormy conditions whenever possible. Emergency services remain on high alert, and disaster response teams are actively monitoring conditions across all affected provinces.
Flood safety warnings
Authorities have issued specific warnings regarding flood safety:
• Do not walk through flooded areas
• Do not attempt to swim or cross rivers and streams
• Water may appear shallow but can be extremely dangerous
• Residents should not construct dwellings in flood-prone or low-lying areas
The combination of severe weather conditions and already strained water infrastructure has created potentially dangerous situations across multiple regions, requiring heightened vigilance from both authorities and residents.
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