During the third week of February, parts of Gauteng were struck with heavy rains with extensive flooding reported in many parts of Pretoria and Johannesburg. While the rains subsided by the weekend, the damage and effects were still evident in many parts of the province.
The Salaam Foundation team received a call from City of Tshwane disaster management officials to assist residents who were left displaced by the flooding. Residents of areas like Refilwe near Cullinan in Pretoria were forced to evacuate their homes due to the flooding caused by the heavy rains. The residents were being temporarily housed in a community hall. Refilwe is a township near the historical town of Cullinan, east of Pretoria.
On February 22, the Salaam Foundation Search & Rescue team (SFSR) and the volunteer network of Salaam Foundation assisted those who had been displaced by providing them with a hot meal at the community centre.
On February 16, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a warning for heavy showers throughout the week lasting from February 16 until the 20th. The affected provinces included North West, Gauteng, the northern Free State, the highveld areas of Mpumalanga and southwestern Limpopo.
On Wednesday, February 19, the weather service issued an orange level 6 warning for heavy rain which could lead to the flooding of roads and settlements, property and infrastructure damage, and risks to life due to fast-moving water. There were also warnings of traffic disruptions resulting from the rains. Many roads in Pretoria were closed on February 19 to protect motorists.
In Montana, Pretoria, a tornado ripped through the parts of the area, causing extensive damage to vehicles and buildings. The trees in the area were uprooted and roofs were torn off housing structures, leaving many vulnerable and without shelter.
