![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vistanews.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Vaal-dam.jpg?fit=756%2C425&ssl=1\")
Operational procedures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
All valves were initially closed before five sluice gate operations were resumed at hourly intervals between 09:00 and 13:00. These controlled releases form part of strategic water management protocols designed to regulate inflows and maintain safe operating levels at the facility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ongoing monitoring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A spokesperson for the department confirmed that these measures were implemented as part of controlled releases to manage water inflows and maintain safe operating conditions. The department will continue monitoring the situation and provide regular updates as information becomes available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Authorities have requested that citizens living in the affected area report any significant changes in river levels immediately. Reports should include precise location details, photographic evidence where possible, and the time of observation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The department emphasised the importance of public vigilance, urging residents to “stay alert and stay safe” as water management operations continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The controlled release operations represent part of ongoing efforts to maintain safe water levels whilst managing the impact of recent severe weather conditions across the region. Regular monitoring and adaptive management strategies will continue as conditions develop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current Free State dam capacity levels:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The following dam levels were recorded:
\u2022 Vaal Dam: 107.4%
\u2022 Allemanskraal Dam: 99.4%
\u2022 Armenia Dam: 89.3%
\u2022 Bloemhof Dam: 96.5%
\u2022 Egmont Dam: 89.2%
\u2022 Erfenis Dam: 84.3%
\u2022 Fika-Patso Dam: 78.3%
\u2022 Gariep Dam: 94.4%
\u2022 Groothoek Dam: 45.7%
\u2022 Kalkfontein Dam: 94.8%
\u2022 Knellpoort Dam: 98.8%
\u2022 Koppies Dam: 96.1%
\u2022 Krugersdrift Dam: 99.7%
\u2022 Metsi-Matsho Dam: 102.6%
\u2022 Rustfontein Dam: 45.8%
\u2022 Saulspoort Dam: 99.8%
\u2022 Sterkfontein Dam: 99.2%
\u2022 Tierpoort Dam: 89.8%
\u2022 Vaalrivier Barrage Dam: 93.9%
\u2022 Vanderkloof Dam: 92.3%
\u2022 Welbedacht Dam: 100.0%<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Official safety guidelines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Department of Water and Sanitation urges residents to remain indoors during heavy rainfall and stormy conditions whenever possible. Emergency services remain on high alert, and disaster response teams are actively monitoring conditions across all affected provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flood safety warnings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Authorities have issued specific warnings regarding flood safety:
\u2022 Do not walk through flooded areas
\u2022 Do not attempt to swim or cross rivers and streams
\u2022 Water may appear shallow but can be extremely dangerous
\u2022 Residents should not construct dwellings in flood-prone or low-lying areas<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The combination of severe weather conditions and already strained water infrastructure has created potentially dangerous situations across multiple regions, requiring heightened vigilance from both authorities and residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Severe weather conditions across the Free State have prompted stern warnings to residents to take immediate precautionary measures as dangerous storms continue to batter multiple regions. Safety precautions urged Residents 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