North West -
Seven people have drowned in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District after heavy rains caused flooding in the area, North West Premier Thandi Modise said on Saturday.
“We wish to convey our condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones in these tragic incidents and also wish the 97 who were injured when their mud houses collapsed across the province a speedy recovery,” she said in a statement.
Residents who were displaced when their mud houses were destroyed by the floods would be considered for social emergency housing.
Social workers and the SA Social Security Agency were conducting needs assessments, which would inform the process of extending social relief through distress grants.
Modise's spokesman, Lesiba Kgwele, said more than 700 families had been affected by flooding in the past few days.
“The district disaster management centre is distributing blankets, food parcels and cottage tents and arranging temporary shelter to those who are displaced,” Kgwele said.
Four bridges were washed away, and the towns of Bona Bona, Morokweng and Pomfret were inaccessible on Friday due to the flooding, he said.
The SA Weather Service forecasts a 60 percent chance of rain over most of the North West over the weekend. The rain was likely to ease from Tuesday, it said. - Sapa