MEDIA STATEMENT

18 February 2017

A SIGH OF RELIEF AS EX-CYCLONE DINEO LEAVE OUR SHORES

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Disaster teams deployed in different areas in the 3 affected Provinces – (KZN, Mpumalanga and Limpopo) continue to watch the situation as rain continue to fall. In some areas the rains did not fall as it was earlier predicted and this assisted to keep the situation normal. Today (18 Feb 2017) we don’t expect further heavy rains as Dineo has now moved into the neighbouring countries.

It is however important to note that even though Dineo has left our shores, the South African Weather Service anticipates that a fresh weather system is developing and it will bring rains over other Provinces of our country – such as the North West, Free State and some parts of the Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape. The accumulative effect of these rains might have serious consequences like flash flooding and forcing rivers to overflow. Our disaster management teams are appealing to communities in these provinces to be cautious so as to avert any potential disasters.

Due to prolonged rain due to Ex-Cyclone Dineo, 4 houses were damaged in Mbombela and 15 mudhouses were damaged in Nkomazi. There were also incidents in different local municipalities of the Vhembe District. Disaster teams supported by the department of Social Development assisted the affected households, providing temporary structures, blankets, food, etc.

Rainfall figures are as follows in the last 24hrs:

  1. i. Mbombela – 21.4mm
  2. ii. Granskop – 52.4mm
  3. iii. Blyde River Canyon – 19.4mm
  4. iv. Tzaneen – 81.4mm
  5. v. Levubu – 20.4mm
  6. vi. Thohoyandou – 28.4mm

From the above figures of the last 24 hours – Graskop received 218.4mm rainfall over the past 48hrs, making it the highest volume of rain received through Ex-cyclone Dineo.

River flows are stable in the areas of the Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces after the heavy rains. It is also important to note that due to these heavy rains caused by Dineo, some dams and rivers have benefited in the two Provinces as they are showing signs of increase in volumes. Although in South Africa Tropical Cyclone Dineo has dissipated somewhat and has moved to neighbouring countries, the Water and Sanitation Department will continue to monitor all rivers and dams as more rains are forecasted in some parts of the country. New weather patterns are expected to kick in from the beginning of next week that may cause water levels to increase in rivers, small and large dams alike. The Department of Water and Sanitation will maintain its high vigilance on the dams and rivers in provinces where more rains are expected. The Department will maintain its readiness to repair damaged infrastructure and ensure the restoration of water services in affected areas.

The disaster management teams will be on high alert across all spheres of government to deal with any eventualities which might arise in North West, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.

Minister Des van Rooyen thanked all teams in the 3 provinces that worked hard preparing and planning for the Cyclone coordinated through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) and Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS).

"Your efforts and hard work have not gone unnoticed as the work you did, planning and intervention has contributed to zero fatalities during this challenging period of storms and heavy rains", added the Minister. The Minister indicated that the National Disaster Management centre will continue to be on high alert, working with other role-players and all spheres of government to ensure the safety of communities affected by the heavy rains.

Enquiries:

Legadima Leso

CoGTA Communication

083 378 9495