BCC urges residents to exercise caution during rains
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By Ndumiso Tshuma
The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has advised the public that during the rainy season, residents must be aware of flood hazards regardless of location, especially those living in low-lying areas near water bodies or downstream from dams.
This advisory comes in response to recent floods that affected residential homes in Sizinda, Ntabazinduna Flats, Harrisvale, and Richmond areas last week.
BCC Corporate Communications Officer Bongiwe Ngwenya explained that while some floods develop slowly over days, flash floods can develop rapidly, sometimes within minutes and without visible signs of rain.
โFlash floods often create a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris, capable of sweeping away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside defined rivers or streams, such as when a levee is breached, and can be equally destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods. Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live,โ said Ngwenya.
Ngwenya advised that to prepare for floods, people should avoid building homes in flood-prone areas unless they can elevate and reinforce them.
โInstall check valves in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into home drains. Construct barriers such as levees, beams, and floodwalls to stop floodwater from entering buildings. Seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds to prevent seepage. Create weep holes around your perimeter walls (durawall) to allow free flow of rainwater,โ Ngwenya explained.
She stressed that if evacuation becomes necessary, residents should first secure their homes by bringing in outdoor furniture and moving essential items to upper floors.
โTurn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. Exercise extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations,โ Ngwenya cautioned.
Ngwenya urged all residents to remain vigilant, prioritize safety, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their properties from flooding dangers.
โFloods are classified as natural disasters, and no one can claim to have stopped floods. We can only know how to prevent flooding when we have full background information, such as whether weep holes were closed or not,โ she concluded.