As weather forecasters predict more rain today and the rest of the week, a distraught family is mourning the disappearance of their two-and-half-year-old child; while others struggle to cope with the massive destruction and costly loss of household belongings all washed away by the Jukskei River in last night’s flash floods.
Floods from the sudden downpour washed the child out of her father Shadrack Chauke’s grip when he fell out of a tree, they had climbed, after the branch broke. Chauke said he, his wife and other affected residents were lucky to escape with their lives. This as police divers were busy searching the river looking for the child.
Meanwhile, the MEC for Housing Paul Mashatile, councillors, City officials, relief NPOs such as Phuthaditjaba and Gift of the Givers visited the destitute community and committed to help the affected families along the Jukskei River bank.
Mashatile said in addition to the child, the government was still verifying the truth to claims of three other people who were also washed away in Alex and in Ekurhuleni, which was also affected. Mashatile appealed to other agencies for help to add to the government’s commitment to provide the victims with blankets, mattresses and temporary accommodation. This as he worried about more rain predictions.
He said the flooding was a long-standing problem that needed a permanent solution and proposed fencing off the area after the remaining shacks have been removed and for road engineers to redesign the drainage system to better cope with flooding.
Several vehicles were also found stranded on the river banks and others were submerged in the river after being washed into the river or off low-lying bridges.
Some residents said they witnessed fridges, televisions, beds and other household items floating downstream.
A pregnant woman was said to have escaped through the roof of her shack.
Jan Maseko, a Ward 109 committee member said people who had settled along the riverbank had been warned numerous times of the imminent danger of flooding.
“But they always insult those urging them to relocate to safer places for their own safety,” Maseko said.
Other residents echoed similar safety concerns saying many may drown or be washed away if the prediction of more rain turn to be true.
Despite the imminent danger of the predicted rain and flooding, in desperation, some affected victims were seen rebuilding their shacks and retrieving and returning their damaged assets to what remained of their dwellings.
Housing in Alex remains an issue, even after 20 years of so-called democracy and in spite of the promises made by the ANC government.
Read:
ALERT: More heavy rains expected today
UPDATE: Alex flooded, people left destitute
