North West floods in pictures: Facebook, Twitter captures sodden destruction

gauteng water rain floods north west south africa

Well South Africa, Cyclone Dineo wasn’t the weather system we should’ve been worried about. Although the tropical cyclone passed well north of Gauteng and the North West, floods have ravaged both provinces this week.

We’ve covered the havoc the weather has played in Johannesburg this week, but in the North West, images and videos are now littering social media.

Due to ongoing, pelting rain experienced across the North West this week, some municipalities in the province are underwater. Quite literally.

Last night’s flash floods, which ripped through areas in the province, killed three people.

The North West destruction in pictures

In Rustenburg — one of the province’s largest cities — cars were barrelled over and left on their roofs by onrushing water.

Houses have also been ravaged, with high water levels visible at dawn.

This is Mahikeng, the provincial capital. The city received a fair share of rain even prior to yesterday’s deluge.

Phokeng, south of Sun City and north-west of Rustenburg, looks like a disaster zone.

While the city streets are flooded, the province’s dams are also remarkably full. This is Vaalkop Dam, currently over 120% full. The Vaal Dam is reportedly around 81% full.

More rain for the North West incoming?

According to the South African Weather Service, around 60mm of further rainfall could fall in Rustenburg until Wednesday next week, with the chance of rainfall hovering between 30% and 60%.

Warnings are still in effect for the eastern portions of the North West, with the Weather Service expecting even more rain in the area today.

Andy Walker, former editor
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