South Africa: The Premier of the Free State Sisi Ntombela, accompanied by MEC for Cooperative Governance Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements Mxolosi Dukwana, MEC for Health Montseng Tsiu and the Director General of the Free State Provincial Government Mr Kopung Ralikontsane, on 11 September 2022, visited the disaster-stricken mining town of Jagersfontein in the Kopanong Local Municipality, following the collapse of a mining dam that left hundreds destitute.
The Premier, through her provincial government this morning, dispatched the Disaster Management Teams and the Joint Operation Centre to determine the extent of the disaster after a mine dam collapsed and swept away houses and cars in the area.
35 patients have been transported to Diamant Hospital in Jagersfontein, amongst them 1 pregnant lady, 4 with fractured limbs the rest for bruises & hypothermia.
5 more patients were transported to Albert Nzula Hospital in Trompsburg. Three (3) Bodies have since been recovered.
However, the search and rescue efforts are continuing. Officials from the EMS College have also been deployed to assist.
The Department of Education is currently liaising with the district officials and all Principals to provide an assessment report of the state of all our education facilities, including access from town and townships to the schools.
The preliminary report thus far indicates that no educational facilities were affected.
The Social Development District offices evacuate people in the affected areas to nearby farms.
Humanitarian Organisations such as Meals on Wheels, the South African Red Cross and many more are on the ground conducting their assessments to see how many people are affected and what other basic needs besides food are needed.
The Social grants agency, SASSA, has also deployed officials to the area. The Department will be starting with psychosocial services for all affected.
A detailed report on the circumstances surrounding the incident will be released upon compilation.
