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13/01/2024 – Flash Floods Sunninghill 2024

Dates: 12, 13 and 14 January 2024

Time: 16:00-22:00, 06:00-15:00, 07:00-15:00

SARZA Regions: Gauteng

Organizations: SARZA, SAPS K9 SAR, SAPS Water Police, SAPS Airwing, NSRI, Gauteng Emergency Medical Services, Netcare911, ER24, Armour SWR Kayak, City of Johannesburg Fire Department

Number SARZA of members: 25 members during the three days

Shortly after the flash floods hit Johannesburg on Friday afternoon, SARZA was contacted to assist with a person who tried to cross a low water bridge and the vehicle was swept off the bridge into the river. Eye witnesses could not see if the driver managed to exit the vehicle.

SARZA escalated the call to SAPS and Gauteng Emergency Medical services. A primary search was done with SAPS and Gauteng EMS and the vehicle was located. A swift water technician searched the vehicle for the driver but could not find her. Due to the water flow and bad light conditions the search was postponed to Saturday morning 06:00.

A cross functional team from SARZA, NSRI, SAPS, GEMS, Netcare 911, ER24, Armour Kayak and City of Johannesburg fire continued the search from place of entry down the river on Saturday and Sunday with no success. SAPS airwing assisted by flying the river to see if they could see anything and SAR K9’s were deployed into the river with the team to assist the search.

SARZA will unfortunately have to stand down and allow the authorities to continue with the search on Monday morning.

We thank all role players who assisted over the last three days, including the local businesses and community who donated water, cold drinks and food to the search teams.

Our thoughts go out to the families who’s loved one is still missing.

As there is more rain forecast. We wish to remind people not to drive through low level bridges or roads that are flooded, as it could easily end in tragedy.

#SoOthersMayLive#saps#nsri#gautengems#netcare911#er24#cojfire#sarza#searchandrescue#swrkayak#Armour#MakeAnImpactDownstream#AVoice4Water