The Ministry for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs’ National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) is closely monitoring the local disaster management centres and the joint operating centres which have been activated in four provinces to manage the current flash floods to provide assistance to people who have been affected by the recent weather system.
The fierce cut-off low weather system is responsible for the current extreme cold weather and heavy rainfall which has caused havoc in some part of the country. The NDMC has set all disaster management partners on an alert mode to enable a swift response in the event where heavy rainfall results into more flash floods. Limpopo, Western Cape, Gauteng and Free State provinces already have their joint operating centres activated and are closely monitoring the situation on the ground to assist people affected by flash floods.
"We are asking all communities, especially those in flood prone areas, to carefully monitor weather developments and take all the necessary precautions as threat of above normal rainfall still looms over some regions. The NDMC is in contact with provincial and local disaster management teams on the ground to monitor the situation and give support if the need arises," said DCoG Director-General Elroy Africa.
The latest reports from provinces indicate that there have been no fatalities or injuries as a direct result of the current extreme cold and rainy weather. However the following incidents and precautionary measures were reported from the provinces:
Western Cape
Eden District Municipality:
- Klip River is overflowing
- San Parks has been requested to open the Touw River mouth to avert flooding in the Wilderness lake area
- Wilderness search and rescue as well as swift water rescue teams and teams from the South African Police Service (SAPS) water were dispatched to be on stand-by in Wilderness to assist residents of the lake area if needed
- Swartvlei Lagoon mouth was opened during the heavy, so the situation in the Sedgefield area is still under control
- As a pro-active measure, the San Parks campsite in Wilderness has been evacuated
- The Great Brak Primary School was closed as a precaution measure due to flooded roads
- The turnoff at Boggoms Bay and Vlees Bay from the N2 has been closed
- Minor rock falls were experienced between Oudtshoorn and George as well as Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn
- The Robertson Pass has some water puddles in the road and the road has been closed for traffic
- Mudslides were experienced on the N2 in the vicinity of Sedgefield
- Swartberg Pass has also been closed
Knysna
- Knysna some road closures
Overberg
- The Breede River has risen by four meters
- The Koringland River is rising and the Overberg Disaster Management is monitoring the situation
- The Overberg Disaster Management is currently busy inspecting the Suurbrak River
- A small bridge over the Buffelsjag River in Swellendam has been closed for scholars
Free State
NDMC yesterday dispatched the South African National Defence Force aerial support to evacuate affected people in Bloemspruit, Shanon, Tierport farms, Smithfield in Mangaung municipality
Limpopo
The Tshamahansi village in Mogalakwena Municiaplity was affected by the strong winds which resulted to seven households, 30 people, two shops and four houses being affected. The Provincial Disaster Management Centre, Red Cross and municipality in the province have distributed blankets and food parcels to affected people.
Mpumalanga
Pixley ka Seme District Municipality has experienced strong winds which have blown off the roofs of 13 houses and one school. There are, however, no injuries or fatalities reported and the municipality will provide the tents to the affected.
There are no major incidents reported from other provinces as a direct result of the cut-off low pressure weather system which is causing the current flash floods and cold weather.
For further details please contact:
Lokile Molefe
Cell: 072 296 4336
Source: Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
