Four swept away by strong current
Four adults were swept away by the Limpopo river while crossing to Vhembe on Wednesday evening leaving the Dept. of Health concerned.
LIMPOPO- The Department of Health has expressed concern about the public health impact that is posed by the illegal crossing of the Limpopo river.
This follows four adults being swept away by the river while crossing to Vhembe on Wednesday evening. To date, two have drowned and their bodies have been retrieved while the search continues for the remaining two. Spokesperson for the department of health, Derick Kganyago says Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Rescue personnel joined forces with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Military in numerous search and rescue efforts over the past week. “There are reports of people having been swept away by heavy currents of the river in various parts of the province and our teams are working tirelessly to bring them to safety,” he said.
The Limpopo River is used by many community members as an informal crossing into South Africa through the Limpopo Province, from Zimbabwe and Botswana and these crossings normally increase in January. With the increased rainfall over the past week, the river levels have gone up with strong flowing currents and the Limpopo River is also crocodile infested, further posing a risk to the lives of those illegally using the river to cross into the province.
Kganyago says the department is concerned about the public health impact that is being posed. “At this time of the year, the risk of infection from cholera and typhoid and other waterborne diseases is high,” he says.
The Department has therefore warned the public not to consume water that may be infected. “Residents who experience any symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pains or cramps should immediately present themselves nearest clinic, our health facilities are ready to treat any patients,” concluded Kganyago.
