Pretoria - About 26 families from Khuma location in Stilfontein, east of Klerksdorp, whose homes were badly damaged by Tuesday’s earth tremor, are receiving temporary accommodation and basic needs from government.
This was confirmed by North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo, who visited the affected areas.
A preliminary assessment report, released by the Joint Operation Centre, which was established in response to this incident, shows that the earth tremor measured 5.3 on the Richter scale.
It caused structural damages to more than 400 houses and buildings in places including Khuma, Kanana, Tigane, Alabama and Jouberton.
The quake, which was felt in parts of the country including Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga and KZN, claimed the life of a homeless man, who was found under rubble at an abandoned mining village in Orkney.
Tremors were also felt in Botswana and Swaziland, and as far afield as Mozambique.
Premier Mahumapelo said the provincial departments will work closely with the affected municipalities in ensuring that the damaged houses are renovated and fit for human habitation.
“A team of engineers will be working around the clock to thoroughly assess the structural defects of all households and public buildings to ensure that our responsibility of guaranteeing people’s safety is ably carried out,” said Premier Mahumapelo.
At the moment, all badly affected houses have been cordoned off and occupants warned to stay away in anticipation of aftershocks.
Ruth Molojwa, 54, whose house was also badly damaged, told the premier that most of her furniture was flattened by the falling debris, but that she was “very touched” that the Premier was able to be with them a few hours after the tremor had hit their area.
Premier Mahumapelo, who also went to the Tau Lekoa Mine in Orkney to check on the safety of mine workers who were underground at the time of the tremor, was assured of the workers’ safety, as they were reportedly being evacuated from the shafts. No injuries were reported at the said mine.
“I commend the team of government officials who acted swiftly and diligently to this unforeseen circumstance, and remain optimistic that, together, we will continue to monitor the situation until it is confirmed stable,” said Premier Mahumapelo. - SAnews.gov.za
