#FirstThingsFirst - Vaal Triangle residents shrugging off evacuation warnings

Despite authorities recently opening a fifth sluice gate at the Vaal Dam as water levels surged to 111% capacity, residents in low-lying areas are reportedly showing little urgency to evacuate. While officials warn of potential flooding as the dam releases over 700 000 litres of water per second, some locals in the Vaal Triangle remain in their homes, saying current water levels appear “normal” to them. The team discussed climate change, evacuation warnings and pondered on whether the residents are being unreasonable or displaying pure defiance of the warnings.