Vaal floods: the NSRI's role in a multi-agency rescue effort

When the sluice gates of the Vaal Dam opened to ten in late April, it marked the beginning of a complex, high-stakes response effort. As dam levels surged past 110%, communities downstream faced a stark reality: the floodwaters were coming, and coming fast.

From Deneysville to Vanderbijlpark and Three Rivers, families were urged to evacuate beyond the 100-year flood line. Some heeded the warning early, but others underestimated the speed and strength of the rising water. That’s when the NSRI, alongside police, fire services, ER24, SARZA, community policing forums, and local volunteers, leapt into action.

“We are very grateful that there was no loss of life during any of these requests,” said Gerhard Potgieter, Station Commander of NSRI Gauteng Station 27. “It is always great to see how services work together and assist each other with a common goal to ensure that the communities we all serve are safe.”

Rescues took place day and night, often under challenging conditions. One late-night operation saw NSRI volunteers navigating submerged farmland to reach a woman, her elderly partner, and their dog, stranded 25 kilometres from Vanderbijlpark. Using torchlight and determination, crews located them and gently convinced them to leave.

“The lady and her dog were keen to accompany us, but the man was reluctant. We fully understand the difficulties of abandoning your home late at night on a Friday, but our appeals for their safety were heeded,” said Potgieter.

Challenges were everywhere: from navigating invisible fences and fast-moving currents to dealing with residents returning to unsafe properties. “One of the most frustrating challenges is people who get assisted, and then they are back at their properties the next day with the water still rising, knowing that they will require assistance again in the near future. This challenge was felt by all rescue personnel from all disciplines.”

Many of the affected areas, while established, had expanded over the years, often beyond historically safe lines. That expansion, coupled with infrequent visits by rescue teams and limited night-time visibility, made planning and execution more complex.

Looking forward, Potgieter hopes for improvements in infrastructure and planning. “My suggestion would be to look at the trigger points put in place regarding making decisions when sluices will be opened and how that can be managed at an earlier stage to have more consistent water flow, but keeping the volume below a flood risk.”

He also calls for shared responsibility. “The communities must also take responsibility for where they look at building facilities and maybe re-examine their building methods to accommodate our weather changes.”

The recent floods serve as a powerful reminder that water respects no boundary. But with early action, teamwork, and community cooperation, the worst can be prevented. The NSRI remains ready — boots on the ground, boats in the water, and hearts firmly committed.