Three killed in North West floods

The R510 between Rustenburg and Northam was temporarily closed on Thursday, after the Elands River overflowed and flooded the bridge. Photo: Supplied

The R510 between Rustenburg and Northam was temporarily closed on Thursday, after the Elands River overflowed and flooded the bridge. Photo: Supplied

Published Feb 23, 2017

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Rustenburg – Three people have been killed during heavy rains in the North West province, the provincial government said on Thursday.

A primary school boy drowned in Leporung near Makgobistad, while attempting to cross a stream, and two others died in Phokeng near Rustenburg after their vehicle was swept away by water.

"Preliminary indications are that the Ratlou, Kagisano-Molopo, Greater Taung, Ramotshere Moiloa, Mahikeng, Moses Kotane, Rustenburg, Maquassi Hills and Matlosana local municipalities are the worst affected areas in the province," said provincial government spokesperson Brain Setswambung.

"Officials from the departments of local government and human settlement as well as community safety and transport management have been deployed around the province to evaluate the extent of damages caused by the on-going rainfall, and provide assistance in cases of emergencies."

Picture: Twitter/@rofhiwark

North West premier Supra Mahumapelo urged the people of North West to remain focused, united, obey rules of the roads, look after their children, and report potential flood incidents to their district disaster management centres.

The N4 between Rustenburg and Swartruggens was closed in Moedwil as the road had cracked.

The alternative road is the R52 via Koster-Lichtenburg.

The Rustenburg local municipality said the most affected areas in its jurisdiction were Tlhabane, Ramochana, Sunrise Park, Paardekraal, Kanana, Seraleng, Meriting, Sunrise View, Phokeng, CBD and the Industrial.

In case of emergencies residents were urged to the call centre at 014 590 3856.

The Moses Kotane local municipality said the Elands bridge on the R510 was overflowing and the road was temporarily closed.

African News Agency

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