When I initially reported on the Witpan flooding the R59 tar road near Viljoenskroon in the Free State, I committed to providing ongoing updates on the pan's situation. During my revisit on October 26, 2023, it was evident, based on the visible road extent, that the water level had slightly receded. Judging by the road signs, the water had dropped approximately 30 cm compared to my visit two months prior. The pan currently covers an area of around 70 hectares (700,000 m2), indicating that approximately 21 to 22 m3 of water evaporated over the past two months. This is roughly equivalent to the volume of just over four average-sized (5,000 litre) JoJo tanks. Whether this amount is substantial or negligible is a subjective judgment, but it appears to make a marginal impact on the pan's overall extent and the broader flooding scenario.
In the past month, only 22 mm of rainfall has been recorded at the pan, and current indications suggest that the region is not anticipating a season of high rainfall. I intend to closely monitor both the rainfall levels and the water level at the pan. Local businesses have informed me that, in addition to the flooded road, their infrastructure has also been affected by the flooding. They are hoping that the rumour is true that water will be pumped from the pan soon to alleviate the situation. However, I hold the view that any infrastructure in the vicinity of the pan currently under water is likely to face submersion again in the future, as nature tends to repeat itself.
Published by Dr. Helen Prinsloo
