By Sydney Masinga
Brits – The North West provincial government says it has placed the provincial disaster management centre on high alert, as the South African Weather Service predicts more heavy rains in the province over the next few days.
Provincial government spokesman Moses Kgwele said relief efforts have been activated in the province after 30 houses were flooded, while two others reportedly collapsed in Majakaneng village due to heavy rains experienced on Tuesday.
“The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has been activated to provide social relief of distress grants to the 30 affected families,” said Kgwele.
He said a Joint Operation Centre was also convened on Wednesday morning to coordinate further relief efforts which might be required.
Kgwele said the provincial Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport and Madibeng local municipality are currently on site attempting to redirect excess water.
He said the municipality has provided temporary shelter, blankets and tents to the affected families in Majakaneng.
The body of a driver, whose car was swept away when floods ravaged the North West province, was also recovered today.
Meisie Van Tonder, 56, had not been unaccounted for after her car and another in which four occupants were rescued were swept by the flooding De Kroon stream near Brits Mall.
"Van Tonder was the fifth missing person when four people were rescued after a car with five occupants was washed away on Tuesday afternoon.
“In conveying condolences to the Van Tonder family, Premier Thandi Modise appealed to people living downstream to the Hartbeespoort Dam to alert authorities of any threat of flooding," said Kgwele. – SAnews.gov.za
