Rustenburg – At least 113 families have been evacuated after their homes were flooded in Rustenburg in the North West Province, the municipality said on Friday.
"Twenty-nine families have been relocated to the Old Kanana clinic after their homes were flooded, 38 families from Ramochana community have been moved to the Ben Marais hall next to town, and subsequently provided with food and blankets," said municipality spokesperson Thapelo Matebesi.
He said 26 families from Sunrise View had been alternatively been accommodated at the local school hall and were also provided with food and blankets.
"Twenty families around the Kanana community have been rescued with boats due to flooding after the neighboring dam overflowed and subsequently given alternative accommodation in various community facilities."
He said scores of cars had been swept away on several roads due to the strong flowing waters.
He said contrary to initial reports, only one person was reported dead at Lemenong in Phokeng, after his car was swept away by strong water.
On Thursday, the municipality had said two people had died in Phokeng after their car was swept away.
Matebesi said food parcels and blankets continued to be received by the municipality and were being distributed to needy stranded families in various wards as identified by deployed teams.
The affected communities were Boshoek, Rietvlei, Robega, Luka and Kanana.
"The team is still out in the field collating data with the objective to help us provide appropriate support and assistance still needed, as we work towards obtaining the total estimated damage costs," said Matebesi.
"The municipality will continue to monitor the situation around the clock so as to avert further loss of life. Business, NGOs, CBOs, government departments and individuals are once again requested to donate food parcels, clothes, blankets or any kind of assistance so as to alleviate the plight of our people. Residents are cautioned to drive with absolute care as they drive."