Fears that the Senteeko Dam is on the brink of collapsing may be unfounded after the latest Umjindi Barberton engineering reports show that dam levels are unlikely to increase.

According to Lowvelder, the reports shared that the De Kaap River was flowing at around 70 cubic metres per second overnight on Monday and is currently flowing at around 40 cubic metres per second.

“The Crocodile River is currently flowing past Kaapmuiden at around 300 cubic metres per second. This includes the inflow from the De Kaap River,” the report read.

Impact of potential dam collapse

Engineering assessments showed that should the Senteeko Dam collapse, it would result in no more than 50 additional cubic metres per second in the volume of water flowing into the Crocodile River near Matsulu.

The duration will last approximately eight hours.

“This means it will look very much like it did on Monday. The Crocodile River will be no higher than at any peak in the past two weeks,” the report assured residents.

As a result, the lower reaches of the De Kaap River, approaching the Crocodile River, would experience flood levels up to 30% higher than those recorded on Monday evening.

Based on water levels recorded yesterday, the Crocodile River would likely return to its overnight levels of Monday.

Evacuation orders remain

Evacuation orders along the De Kaap River remain and residents should take note that the higher reaches of its tributaries will reach dangerous levels in a short time if the dam collapses.

The municipality warned residents to avoid low-water bridges crossing the river and to avoid putting themselves in any dangerous situations given the expected higher levels.

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