Authored by: Captain SA
Yesterday, 14 December 2024, a severe thunderstorm wreaked havoc across Gauteng, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and localized flooding to various areas. The storm, which began that evening at 18:00, left a trail of destruction, including reports of fallen trees, damaged roofs, and disrupted electricity supplies. Among the incidents, a dramatic scene unfolded in Benoni where two cars were completely burnt on Makhenzie Street.
Impact of the Thunderstorm Across Gauteng
The thunderstorm swept through multiple areas, causing widespread chaos. Motorists were cautioned to drive carefully as many roads became waterlogged. Emergency services were on high alert, responding to numerous distress calls from residents facing flooding and infrastructure damage. The South African Weather Service had issued warnings earlier, predicting severe weather conditions for the province.
Incident in Benoni: Two Cars Burnt on Makhenzie Street
In Benoni, an unusual and alarming incident occurred when two vehicles caught fire during the storm. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, but initial reports suggested that a combination of the storm’s lightning and potential electrical faults might have triggered the blaze. Witnesses described the terrifying moment as flames engulfed the cars, lighting up the dark, stormy skies.
Local authorities arrived promptly to extinguish the fire, but the vehicles were completely destroyed. No injuries were reported, and investigations are underway to determine the precise cause of the incident.
Emergency Response and Public Safety
Emergency responders worked tirelessly across Gauteng to assist affected residents and mitigate further damage. Community members were urged to remain indoors, avoid flooded areas, and ensure that all electrical appliances were switched off during the storm.
Municipal teams were on the ground clearing debris and assessing the extent of the damage. Meanwhile, Eskom and municipal electricity providers worked to restore power to areas affected by outages.
Tips for Staying Safe During Thunderstorms
- Avoid Outdoor Activities: Stay indoors and away from open fields or tall objects that could attract lightning.
- Unplug Electrical Devices: Protect your appliances from power surges caused by lightning.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from the South African Weather Service for real-time alerts.
- Drive Cautiously: If you must travel, drive slowly and avoid waterlogged roads.
- Emergency Kit: Keep a flashlight, batteries, and essential supplies handy in case of power outages.
Hashtags for Awareness and Updates
#GautengThunderstorm
#StaySafeSA
#BenoniFire
#WeatherAlert
#EmergencyResponse
#LightningSafety
#FloodWarning
#SouthAfricaStorm
Looking Ahead
The South African Weather Service warned that thunderstorms might continue in the coming days, urging residents to stay vigilant. Gauteng officials coordinated efforts to ensure that resources were available to support affected communities.
As investigations into the Benoni car fire continue, residents are reminded to report any emergencies to local authorities promptly. With a unified response, the province aims to recover swiftly from this challenging weather event.