At least three people were killed and dozens injured after a mining dam in Jagersfontein burst on Sunday. Photo: Twitter/@_ArriveAlive
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit the communities of the Jagersfontein-Charlesville area in the Free State on Monday after a mining dam burst and killed at least three people, leaving dozen injured and destroying several homes.
The Presidency confirmed that four have been reported missing, while at least 23 people have been treated for hypothermia and four others for broken legs.
It’s also noted the rescue and recovery efforts involving emergency services and police from towns surrounding the mine and from Mangaung in the Free State.
ALSO READ: Jagersfontein Dam burst: three reported dead, homes swept away
“The President’s thoughts and prayers are with the families of three people who lost their lives in the incident.”
“The President wishes injured survivors a speedy recovery and a positive outcome in the search for missing residents of the Charlesville neighbourhood,” the Presidency said
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma activated the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) on Sunday to assist affected residents in Jagersfontein.
Dlamini-Zuma said the damage in and around the community of Charlesville in Jagersfontein was extensive and had negatively impacted the community.
“Multi-disciplinary teams consisting of the South African Police Service, emergency medical services, health, disaster management, social development, search and rescue personnel and engineers from the mine responded immediately and are on the scene where search, rescue, immediate relief and stabilisation operations are underway.”
Preliminary reports indicated that more than 40 houses were damaged, with 20 of them swept away by the floodwaters.
@narissa_s Jagersfontein dam burst: Cellphone footage from residents in nearby communities. #Jagersfontein @The Citizen ♬ original sound – Narissa Subramoney
Meanwhile, environmental specialists have cautioned residents to avoid contact with the flood water.
Speaking to EWN, Anja du Plessis said the water infrastructure might also have been affected.
“Concerning that the town is currently without electricity, it might affect the functioning of wastewater treatment plants. Affected communities need to take necessary precautions to ensure that their health is not affected,” said du Plessis.
Mining company De Beers said it has not been the owner of the mine for more than ten years
This follows a report that Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe said De Beers would have to take full responsibility for the damages caused.
According to the SABC, Mantashe cited a 2007 court case regarding the mine.
Mantashe said the ministry still does not agree with the ruling.
ALSO READ: Jagersfontein update: One person declared dead, 42 injured
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