Over 100 families were left homeless on Saturday night after a flash storm and strong winds caused widespread damage and ripped roofs off structures in Postmasburg.
OVER 100 families were left homeless on Saturday night after a flash storm and strong winds caused widespread damage and ripped roofs off structures in Postmasburg.
Tsantsabane municipal manager Heinrich Mathobele said on Sunday that they were busy conducting an assessment of the damage.
“Preliminary assessments indicate that 121 families were affected during a 30-minute storm on Saturday afternoon. Numerous shanties in the local informal settlements – including Postdene, Groenwater, Boichoko, Marantheng, Mountain View and Haakbosdraai – were flooded. Residents living in isolated areas were trapped and could not travel into town,” said Mathobele.
He added that the roofs of brick houses, as well as two churches, were also blown off during the storm.
“The municipality offered alternative accommodation at the showgrounds on Saturday night. The municipality and stakeholders are determining the extent of the damage and what kind of relief needs to be provided.
“The rapid response team held a special council meeting on Sunday morning to discuss disaster relief measures.”
Mathobele noted that many families were worried about their belongings being stolen and kept watch over their homes last night.
“Some residents stayed with their relatives. We will see who will require alternative accommodation tonight as homes remain flooded.”
