Mpumalanga floods: Pray for Nkomazi, says municipality

The Nkomazi Local Municipality (NLM) is requesting the public to pray for its community members as they are suffering due to the current floods.

On Friday February 10, NLM posted a poster on its Facebook page asking for prayers, and sent out warnings to the communities. Some members of the public are reported to be trapped in their homes, some cannot go to work, and some learners could not go to school. Currently there are reports of four people who have been swept away by the floods in the area.

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In statement on Thursday February 9, NLM said, “Two separate incidents of drowning in the Mlumati River have been reported by the police. A 60-year-old man from KaMdladla who had been fishing on the river was taken by the heavy current and has not yet been found. Police divers are still searching for him.

“An 18-year-old learner of Shongwe boarding school was swept away while trying to cross the river, and is still missing. The divers are still looking for the teen, too.”

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Later that day the municipality and police reports confirmed that the number had increased to four.

“The community of Nkomazi is requested to always be vigilant of low-level bridges, rivers, streams and dams as it continues to rain. Due to the heavy downpours; rivers, streams and low-level bridges are dangerous to cross. Do not attempt to travel across flooded bridges. Fast-moving water may result in injury or death. For your safety, avoid these places.”

For help in case of emergency, people are urged to call 082 806 1611.