Heavy storms which hit parts of Mpumalanga on Sunday evening left a trail of destruction with four people reported dead and more than 30 schools damaged around Bushbuckridge. File Picture. Photographer: Henk Kruger / Independent Newspapers
Heavy storms which hit parts of Mpumalanga on Sunday evening left a trail of destruction with four people reported dead and more than 30 schools damaged around Bushbuckridge.
Spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education, Elijah Mhlanga said more than 40 other people were injured following the extensive storms.
“The storm has damaged more than 30 schools in the area and four people were reported to have passed away, while more than 40 others have been treated at various hospitals in the area,” said Mhlanga.
He added that the inclement weather has also threatened the administration of the National Senior Certificate Examinations and disrupted schooling, as more than 10 high schools were severely damaged.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, has expressed sadness at the loss of life.
“I would like to commend the swift action of the district officials, who averted a crisis on Monday by protecting the matric examinations which went on as planned, despite the damage. The classrooms of the lower grades which had not been affected were used in some schools but most of all, we appreciate the kind gesture of our churches who have offered their buildings to be used for exam purposes. We are truly grateful,” Dr Mhaule said.
The deputy minister has since urged community members to report any damage they come across, to avoid crossing rivers and to keep a close eye on weather updates from the South African Weather Services.
“We will work with other government departments and local government continue to monitor the situation and support affected families. We convey our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and those who have lost their belongings,” said Mhaule.
The rain continued to fall on Monday evening resulting in more damage to houses in the villages. Power supply has been cut and some roads are still not accessible.
The Department of Basic Education said an assessment of the damage will be conducted, but that assessment could be hampered by the persistent rains.
Affected areas include Ximhungwe, Thulamahashe, Cottondale, Maripe, Shatale and Maboke circuits in.
Meanwhile, District Director, Lorraine Goba has thanked officials from the district office who worked “tirelessly” throughout the day to support affected schools.
On Sunday, IOL reported that the South African Weather Service had issued weather warnings for Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the Western Cape for Sunday and Monday.
The SA Weather Service issued a yellow level 2 severe thunderstorms warning for Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
IOL