Following the recent floods that affected Limpopo, the MEC for department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Clifford Motsepe will today visit affected areas in Makhado, Musina and Alldays. MEC Motsepe will be joined by MECs for Department of Agriculture Jacob Marule, and Health and Social Development Norman Mabasa and other role players.
What happened in the Vhembe District from 16 January to date.
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On the night of 15 January 2013.
- Heavy rains damaged infrastructure in most areas of the District Municipality.
- Although the assessment team is still busy conducting an assessment, the identified damages require urgent attention.
- Most bridges are cut off; the community including learners is disadvantaged because of the situation.
- Vhembe District Municipality Disaster Management Centre convened a Joint Operations Committee (JOC) on Wednesday, the 16th of January 2013.
- The District JOC was established on the 16th and 17th January 2013.
Damaged roads and bridges
Apart from the Vhembe district been affected Mopani District’s roads affected. Members of the communities are advised to take note of these affected roads:
Vhembe District Malamulele
- Shihosana – Mushwana
- Jim Jones – Mahonise
- Shitlhelana – Gija
- Madonsi – Boldman A & B
- Phungwana – Gija
- Makhasa Bridge
Musina
- Musina Pondrift road – small bridge to Tshamutumbu SAPS
- Masisi – Phafuri foot and mouth gate
- N1 to 24 km Masisi – water level is high on the bridge only 4 x 4 m/v can pass
- Musina – Tshipise road
Mopani District Giyani
- Giyani – Siyandani
- Section E to Section B
- SAPS to Benstore (CBD)
- Nsani to Thomo
Sekgosese
- Sephukubje Bridge Letaba
Hlanganani Letaba/Makhado
- Roterdam – Olifantshoek
- Mahatlane – wageni
- Mahatlane – Rivungwani Bridge
- Morokolo Bridge
Level of preparedness
a. National Disaster Management Centre
o National Disaster Management Centre is operational since Monday 14th January 2013 – operating on a 24 hour basis (for rescue purposes, for chopper
b. Provincial Disaster Management Center (PDMC) Service Standard
o Disaster Response Service Standard is 72 hours as soon as the incident report is received
c. Resources available
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Financial
- Disaster Fund R 3 million not utilised for declarations as per the Disaster Management ACT
- Additional R1 million
- 2 500 x Blankets
- 70 x Tents
- Food parcels (service providers on standby
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Human Resource
- Sector departments, municipalities
- Participating NGOs
Red Cross
Rescue and assessment teams
The teams are progressing with the search and assessment of more people in distress and the damages caused by the floods. The following role players are managing the situation, South African National Defence Force (SANDF)/Air force, Red Cross, Disaster Management (Vhembe, Mopani, and COGHSTA), South African Police Service’s divers search and rescue teams, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Fire Brigade.
Key messages
- Residents living next to rivers and streams must evacuate to a safer place or higher spot when the water level rises.
- When you to a flowing river where water reaches above your ankles, stop, turn around and use alternative routes.
- Never try to walk, swim or drive in swift – flowing water, even in the water. It can sweep you off your feet.
- Do not drive over a low-water bridge if the water is flowing strong across it.
- Educate your children not to swim in rivers, streams and ponds in open areas.
- Do not drive during a severe storm – park away from electrical lines, trees, streams and rivers.
- Have emergency number at hand 0800 222 111
Disaster Management is everybody’s business. In case of any Disaster, members of the public should report incidents to their district offices or Provincial Disaster Management Centre on the toll free number 0800 222 111.
For missing persons during disaster, members of the public should report the incident to their nearest police stations.
For more information please contact:
Dieketseng Diale
Cell: 083 652 5276.
Tel: 015 284 5582
E-mail: mediaenquiry@coghsta.limpopo.gov.za
