South Africa’s minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe has declared the Free State flooding from a mine dam wall collapse a disaster after it claimed three fatalities and several injuries.
The tragedy occurred in the diamond mining town of Jagersfontein, forcing officials to evacuate several residents to nearby farms.
Communication was interrupted after the flood damaged cellphone towers, hitting water networks and cutting off major roads.
The flood wrecked some houses and displaced cars, leaving scores of people injured and displaced.
Video footage showed mud water washing into nearby residential area in Jagersfontein, a town about 100 kilometres southwest of the Free State province capital Bloemfontein.
“A mine dam collapsed and swept away houses and cars in the area,” said Palesa Chubisi, a spokesperson for Free State premier Sisi Ntombela.
Mantashe confirmed that there were up to five suspected deaths, four people missing and another four in critical conditions.
“Nine houses were swept away and 20 houses completely damaged. Now, that is a disaster,” Mantashe added. .
Earlier, Chubisi said 40 people including a pregnant woman were taken to local hospitals, four suffering from fractured limbs and the rest with bruises and hypothermia.
While search and rescue operations are already ongoing, a disaster management team is at the scene to determine the extent of the damage.
“The reports received thus far is that the flow of the water has ceased and the immediate threat is being stabilised,” said Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the minister in charge of disaster management.