Home South African Air Force helicopters used to rescue hotel guests, residents from Pretoria floods

Air Force helicopters used to rescue hotel guests, residents from Pretoria floods

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Two South African Air Force helicopters were dispatched to assist stranded residents in Centurion and Mamelodi following flash floods on Monday.

Pretoria – Two South African Air Force (SAAF) helicopters were dispatched

on Monday

to assist stranded residents in Pretoria’s Centurion and Mamelodi areas following flash floods as a result of the continuing torrential downpours being experienced in Gauteng.

SA National Defence Force spokesperson Brigadier General Mafi Mgobozi said an SAAF Atlas Oryx helicopter and an Agusta A-109 Light Utility [A-109 LUH] Helicopter airlifted 79 stranded people at the Centurion Lake Hotel to safety. 

“A total of three people airlifted from the hotel were taken to Unitas Medical Centre for medical assistance. The two helicopters proceeded to Mamelodi, east of Pretoria, and successfully airlifted five people who were trapped by flash floods to safety,” said Mgobozi.

He said no injuries were reported in Mamelodi. 

The two helicopters completed the two air rescue missions at around 5pm on Monday.

Picture: Oupa Mokoena/African News Agency (ANA)

“There were no fatalities reported during both rescues,” said Mgobozi.

Picture: Oupa Mokoena/African News Agency (ANA)

​Meanwhile, civil rights group #NotInMyName has urged South Africans to help community members in Mamelodi who have lost their belongings due to the floods.

Picture: Oupa Mokoena/African News Agency (ANA)

“There are no reported casualties thus far and everyone has been accounted for. However, the floods have destroyed homes and left people stranded,” said secretary-general Themba Masango.

Picture: Bongani Shilubane/African News Agency (ANA)

“The City of Tshwane has called out on community members and organisations to contribute relief material towards flooding victims at locations including the Nellmaphius Library and the Centurion Fire Station. If you have additional blankets, food, and perhaps even clothes, please deliver them at the designated hall closest to you.”

Picture: Bongani Shilubane/African News Agency (ANA)

Picture: Bongani Shilubane/African News Agency (ANA)

Picture: Oupa Mokoena/African News Agency (ANA)

Picture: Oupa Mokoena/African News Agency (ANA)

Picture: Oupa Mokoena/African News Agency (ANA)

Picture: Oupa Mokoena/African News Agency (ANA)

African News Agency (ANA)

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