The torrential rains that have battered several parts of the North West have claimed the life of a pensioner in Lebalangwa village in the Moretele Local Municipality.
According to municipality spokesperson Mothopi Malebye, the weather condition continues to spiral out of control, municipality personnel have had their hands full trying to assist the over 76 affected villages.
Mothupi said the flood victim drowned at his home.
“The old man who was in the company of his wife, also a pensioner, died after being trapped in a flooded house amid the rain that has left damages estimated to run into millions of rands in the villages across Moretele Municipality. The emergency and fire department moved swiftly to save the wife,” said Malebye.
The floods have wreaked havoc at the municipality, leaving several villages submerged.
“Some of them are trapped in their houses. The most affected areas are Kromkuil, Mmotla, Maubane, Bosplaas, Moeka, Mathibestad RDP, Carousel View, Lebotlwane, Lebalangwa Makapanstad, Ngobi, Mmakaunyana and Sediane view,” said Malebye.
Meanwhile, in Bollantlokwe village (still within Moretele Local Municipality) the emergency team rescued learners who were trapped in a school bus.
The rescue team experienced several challenges, because the bridge collapsed as they were trying to assist trapped pupils.
The municipality provided temporary safe accommodation to the affected communities in Mmotla, Kromkuil, Carousel View and Moeka, while others are yet to be erected tomorrow (Thursday) to accommodate other affected families.
The mayor of the municipality George Manyike has committed various units of the municipality including emergency services, Fire, Disaster, Municipal Health, Social Development, Public Works, and Eskom to work around the clock to assist the affected communities.
Meanwhile, the province disaster management teams remain on high alert and monitoring the situation.
Residents, motorists and pedestrians are advised to be extra vigilant and cautious on flooded roads.
