Vaal Dam
By Nkosana Khumalo
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has opened “six sluice gates” at the Vaal Dam to manage rapidly rising water levels, with inflows reaching “2056.50 cubic metres per second (m3/s)” due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchments. The fifth gate was opened at “2:30pm” and the sixth at “4pm” on Thursday, 24 April 2025, as the dam reached “113.54%” capacity. Concurrently, Bloemhof Dam outflows have increased to “2000 m3/s”, while Gariep and Vandekloof Dams are overspilling, raising fears of flooding along the Vaal and Orange Rivers. The DWS has issued urgent evacuation warnings for communities within the “1 in 100-year floodline” to prevent loss of life and property.
Vaal Dam Faces Record Inflows
The Vaal Dam, a cornerstone of South Africa’s Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), is under significant pressure as “2056.50 m3/s” of water floods in from the upper catchments, driven by intense rainfall linked to the La Niña weather system. By midday Thursday, the dam’s storage capacity stood at “113.54%”, prompting the DWS to open “six sluice gates” to release excess water and avert structural risks. The controlled releases, while necessary, have heightened flood risks downstream, particularly in low-lying areas like Parys, Sasolburg, Vanderbijlpark, and the Vaal Triangle.
The DWS warned that “controlled and uncontrolled water releases at all these dams will lead to overtopping of riverbanks downstream of the Orange and the Vaal Rivers, resulting in flooding of settlements that are in the lower-lying areas within the 1 in 100-year floodline.” Residents have been urged to evacuate immediately, secure livestock, and move valuable equipment to higher ground to avoid the dangers of fast-moving floodwaters.
Bloemhof Dam Outflows Ramped Up
At Bloemhof Dam, water levels reached “107.30% by midday” on Thursday, necessitating incremental outflow increases from “800 m3/s to 1050 m3/s at 09:00; 1300 m3/s at 11am; 1550 m3/s at 1pm; 1800 m3/s at 3pm and to 2000 m3/s by 5pm.” The DWS indicated “potential plans to further increase outflows from both dams tomorrow,” reflecting the ongoing challenge of managing high inflows. These releases have already caused riverbank overtopping, with flooding reported in Fezile Dabi District (Free State), Emfuleni Municipality (Gauteng), and Lekwa Teemane (North West).
Emergency response teams, coordinated by the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) and Provincial Disaster Management Centres (PDMCs), are assisting affected communities. Local municipalities have activated evacuation plans, and temporary shelters have been set up for displaced residents.
Orange River and Upstream Dams Add Pressure
Upstream, Grootdraai Dam in Mpumalanga is at “105.71%” capacity, with one sluice gate open to manage inflows of “141.72 m³/s.” These inflows contribute to the Vaal Dam’s challenges, creating a cascading effect along the river system. In the Orange River, Gariep and Vandekloof Dams are overspilling at “107.13%” and “105.3%” capacity, respectively, exacerbating flood risks in the Lower Orange and Vaal River regions.
The South African Weather Service has forecasted continued rainfall in Gauteng, Free State, and North West, driven by La Niña, which could further elevate dam levels and inflows. This has raised concerns about prolonged flooding, particularly in areas already saturated from recent rains.
Urgent Evacuation Warnings Issued
The DWS has repeatedly called for residents within the “1 in 100-year floodline” to evacuate, stating, “People living within the floodline downstream of the Vaal and Bloemhof Dams and have had to evacuate should continue to avoid the flooded areas as the river catchment remains oversaturated.” Minister Pemmy Majodina, during a site visit to the Vaal Dam on Wednesday, emphasized the need for immediate action, urging communities to avoid low-lying areas and refrain from river-based activities.
Herman Bezuidenhout, Fire and Disaster Management manager for the Fezile Dabi District Municipality, warned that roads in areas like Hoek and downstream to Bloemhof could become inaccessible once outflows reach “1,800 m³/s.” He advised residents to relocate electrical appliances and switch off power before leaving. DWS spokesperson Wisane Mavasa stressed, “Communities in low-lying areas around the barrage must evacuate within the provided timelines to avoid being flooded.”
Flood Impacts and Infrastructure Risks
The increased releases have caused significant flooding, damaging homes, roads, and infrastructure in settlements near Parys, Sasolburg, and Vanderbijlpark. Infrastructure within the “1 in 100-year floodline” or 100 meters of the river is particularly vulnerable, with reports of submerged buildings and disrupted road access. The DWS and local authorities are working to reinforce flood defences and clear debris to mitigate further damage.
Some residents have resisted evacuation, citing familiarity with seasonal flooding. However, the DWS has clarified that the current situation is exceptional due to the combination of high dam levels, oversaturated catchments, and forecasted rainfall. The department is distributing SMS alerts and using social media to communicate real-time updates.
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