The National Disaster Management Centre is coordinating with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and other stakeholders after the dam of an abandoned mine collapsed in Jagersfontein over the weekend.
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma says the flow of water has stopped and the immediate threat is being stabilised.
“The untold damage in and around the community of Charlesville in Jagersfontein are extensive and has negatively impacted the community,” she said in a statement.
“Some people are displaced, others lost property, while others are reported injured and missing.”
She urged the deployed teams to “do everything that is required to lessen the negative impact this incident is having on communities”.
Disaster response
“Multi-disciplinary teams consisting of the South African Police Service, emergency medical services, health, disaster management, social development, search and rescue personnel and engineers from the mine responded immediately and are on the scene, where search, rescue, immediate relief and stabilisation operations are underway.
“The injured persons have been provided with on-scene emergency medical care and are being transported to local hospitals. Assessments are underway to identify and account for all residents of the affected area.”
The premier’s office earlier stated that three bodies had been recovered. It has since corrected this, with only one casualty confirmed to have died.
#ICYMI Minister @DlaminiZuma activates National Disaster Management Centre #NDMC to support Jagersfontein communities affected by the mining dam that burst its banks https://t.co/iLkjsL1ry6
Video: TSF Risk Solutions https://t.co/nnNDbsivZH pic.twitter.com/g2JWBX0nCY— NationalCoGTA 🇿🇦 (@NationalCoGTA) September 12, 2022
35 people had been taken to the local Diamant Hospital. Among the injured was a pregnant woman, and four people who sustained fractured limbs.
Five others were transported to the Albert Nzula Hospital in Trompsburg.
Homes and vehicles were swept away when the dam collapsed.
Eskom infrastructure damaged
Eskom reported that it had lost bulk supply to Centlec, the electricity distributor responsible for Jagersfontein, while four Eskom customers on the Fauresmith-Spitskop feeder, three customers on the Pompie-Rietkuil feeder and the Jagersfontein Mine were without power.
“Eskom’s Rietkuil Substation was also engulfed by the mud, resulting in a total loss of bulk supply to Centlec. Due to the current situation in the Jagersfontein area and the inaccessibility of our substation, it is impossible to estimate when supply will be restored or to determine the extent of the damage,” Eskom said in a statement.
“Since Eskom’s telecommunication system is also affected by the flood, the impact on surrounding networks is still unclear.”
It urged residents to treat all electrical lines, sockets and appliances as live and dangerous.
Gift of the Givers respond
Gift of the Givers’ Imtiaz Sooliman said the Charlesville area appeared to be most affected by the sludge.
“Houses, personal belongings and many sheep have been washed away, and community members are missing. The cellphone towers have been damaged, affecting communication, there is no electricity and not a drop of drinkable water. Some of the roads have been cut off,” Sooliman said.
A local church opened its doors to those affected, to offer shelter and accommodation.
“Immediate requirements include bottled water, bulk food for cooking, blankets, mattresses, clothing, hygiene items, sanitary pads and diapers. Fodder for sheep will also be required.”
The humanitarian organisation’s teams were packing supplies in Bethlehem, Graaff-Reinet, Gqeberha and Cape Town. The first delivery was expected in Jagersfontein later on Sunday.
Arrangements will also be made to provide sheep with fodder.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is today expected to visit the disaster-stricken Jagersfontein.
Source: News24
