The City of Mbombela (CoM) has issued an emergency evacuation order for residents living downstream of Senteeko Dam, situated between Kaapsehoop and Barberton, as ongoing heavy rains have brought the dam wall to the brink of failure.

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Barberton area flood warning: Senteeko Dam wall at risk of collapse. #floods #dam #damwall #barberton

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The executive mayor, Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko, warned that the structural integrity of the dam wall is rapidly deteriorating. If the wall fails, an estimated 1.82 million cubic metres of water will rush into the Suidkaap area.

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Should the dam breach, floodwaters are expected to flow through several key river systems.

Residents and businesses in the following areas are urged to move to higher ground immediately: the Suidkaap River from its upper reaches down to Consort; the Kaap River from Consort to Kaapmuiden; and the Crocodile River.

The mayor emphasised that the situation is unpredictable and that emergency repairs are currently impossible due to the weather. “We urge residents in the area; do not wait for the dam to break. If you are in the path, evacuate immediately and move to a safer location,” she said.