The death toll from recent heavy rains and flooding in Limpopo and Mpumalanga has risen to 38, with the number of deaths reported in Limpopo increasing from 17 to 18, while six people remain missing in the province.
Giving an update on the recent disasters in Limpopo and Mpumalanga during a media briefing on Wednesday, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane announced that Mpumalanga has recorded 20 fatalities linked to the severe weather which has caused widespread damage to homes and displaced hundreds of families across the two provinces.
“Once again, we send our sincerest condolences to the families of the deceased,” the Minister said, noting that government remained committed to supporting affected communities during the recovery process.
According to the latest reports, a total of 1 942 houses have been damaged in Limpopo, while 1 808 houses were affected in Mpumalanga.
Simelane said adverse weather conditions in Limpopo have made relief and recovery efforts challenging.
The Emergency Housing Unit of the department has been dispatched to disaster-affected areas in both provinces.
Central to government’s work in providing the necessary interventions is the verification process, which determines the extent of damage to households and informs the department of the type of emergency housing intervention to be implemented.
She said significant progress has been made, despite difficult conditions on the ground.
“While the verification process is continuing, we have decided to proceed with assisting households that have [already] been verified. We are at an advanced stage of beginning to support these households,” the Minister said.
As part of the first phase of interventions, the Department of Human Settlements has started procuring Temporary Emergency Accommodation (TEA) for people currently housed in mass care and evacuation centres.
The second phase will focus on the provision of Temporary Residential Units (TRUs).
The Minister said procurement is under way for 39 units in the Mbaula area, 73 in Bushbuckridge, five in Blouberg and 13 in Makhado.
“We will continue to provide interventions as and when we conclude verification processes. Over the next two days, we will be on the ground with Limpopo and Mpumalanga MECs of Human Settlements to ensure the communities receive the necessary help.”
The Minister expressed gratitude to community members, including churches and non-governmental organisations for their role in assisting affected families.
“Everything you have done and continue to do is not in vain. Your support [during this difficult time] is highly appreciated,” Simelane said. – SAnews.gov.za
