19 Jan 2012
Heavy rains reported on the 18th of January 2012 have caused havoc in some areas of Limpopo causing major dams and rivers to overflow, says the Provincial Disaster Management Centre.
The following role players are managing the situation, SANDF/Air force, Disaster Management (Maruleng, Mopani and COGHSTA), SAPS’ divers search and rescue teams, EMS and Fire Brigade. The air force is leading the operations and 52 people were airlifted. Three people were admitted at the Hoedspruit Military Hospital including an Air force Officer who was on the rescue team in a critical but stable condition. The MEC for CoGHSTA, Mr Soviet Lekganyane, as the political head of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre wished them a speedy recovery and sympathises with their families. He added, however, that he trusts that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre is ready to handle any eventuality.
The following roads have been reported as damaged:
Maruleng Municipality
1. Road no D3786 from Maseke to Mashishimale; gravel materials have been eroded on the top of the culvert and safety measures will be applied.
2. Road no D1100 from D202 –P43/3 to Rubbervalley; pipe culverts washed away. There is a total cut-off of the road, safety measure will be applied.
3. Road no P181/1 from Afcalaco to the Oaks, the road was temporarily closed because of the overflow and is now opened
4. Road no P116/1 from Klasserie to Air force base, there is an overflow crossing the road.
5. Road no P116/1 at Blyde water crosses the road with trees and shrubs because of over flow of the dam.
6. Road no D240 from P116/1 to Essex there is total cut –off because of washed away culverts, safety has been applied, there are no alternative roads temporary measures will be applied i.e. stone pitching.
7. Road no D21 Afcalaco to The Oaks, accumulated sand over the road surface but ride able, arrangement has been made to remove it.
8. Road no D263 from P181/1 to D202 culvert has been washed away stone pitching was temporarily done to allow movement and now it has been washed away but not closed.
9. Road no D2119 Timbavati, two bridges were washed away and the other bridge was partially washed away an alternative road can be provided from P17/4 via D1909 to join D219 after the bridges.
10. Road no P116/1 from Manautsa Park to Hoedspruit damaged.
Tzaneen Municipality
1. Road no P17.3 from Tzaneen to Hamorny is a gravel road it has been eroded to a deeper stage and is no longer ride able water flows in the middle of the ridding surface.
2. Road no D21 from Afcolac to Harmony, bridge washed away and is totally cut-off. Temporary signs will be provided; there is an alternative road starting from P17/3.
The Team will undertake an assessment of the damage as soon as the water levels have gone down for accessibility; and a report will be prepared for the attention of the authorities.
There are no reported deaths thus far and a clean-up operation has commenced and communities are encouraged to participate in the clean-up operation.
The Mayor of Maruleng Municipality, Mr. Puleng Mafologela together with Major General Khumalo of the SANDF, have taken an aerial view of the damage this afternoon. The Mayor subsequently met with the community and stakeholders of Finale, including the Community Development Workers of (CoGHSTA) and municipal officials, at The Oaks Community Hall; to establish the total number of the affected villages.
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. In addition a 24 hrs telephone line has been established to enhance communication. Communities are free to call the number at 015 292 9430.
For missing persons during disaster, members of the public should report the incident to their nearest police stations.
For more information please contact:
Ms. Tseng Diale
Cell: 083 652 5276
Tel: 015 294 2328
E-mail: mediaenquiry@limdlgh.gov.za
19 Jan 2012
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