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1 Nov 2010

The Provincial Disaster Management Centre has received reports of raging storms and heavy rainfall in the areas of Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality in Limpopo province last night. The water level was reported to be at a height of ± 1 metre and width of ± 200 metre causing flash flooding.

Casualties

• One car was washed away and one person reported dead (male).
• A 51 year old lady with three (3) grandchildren aged, 10, 9 and 7 (Leotle family) who were inside their make-shift shelter (zozo)were also washed away; the old lady together with her two grandchildren were found dead, one child (9 years) is still missing and the police are still searching.
• More than thirty (30) homes were flooded.
• Officials from the Department of Local Government and Housing, Sekhukhune District Municipality, Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality, South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and community members are managing the scene very well.
• Affected families are receiving food parcels, blankets and temporary shelter (tents).
• Food parcels are being distributed by SASSA, Health and Social Development.

(In summary four (4) lives were lost and one child still missing.)

The MEC for Local Government and Housing, Limpopo, Soviet Lekganyane, as political head of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, wishes to convey sincere condolences to the bereaved families. He said that government will do all it can to assist the affected families. With more rain still expected in the area, the MEC has called upon all the people of Limpopo to be vigilant and take extra caution. He has encouraged all people to report any disaster to the district or provincial disaster management centre on the toll free number 0800 222 111.

The Provincial Disaster Management Centre is ready to handle any eventuality Disaster management is everybody’s business.

For more information:
Clayson Monyela
Cell: 082 806 7405

Issued by: Limpopo Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs
1 Nov 2010

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