Relief efforts underway after dams collapse near Malmesbury
According to the municipality, 14 people are in hospital with minor injuries or hypothermia and more than 400 have received humanitarian relief.
The aftermath of flooding in Riverlands, near Malmesbury in the Western Cape, after three dam retention walls collapsed on 8 August 2024. Picture: Supplied
CAPE TOWN - Relief and rescue efforts are continuing in Riverlands and Chatsworth near Malmesbury after three agricultural dams collapsed.
The flooding is believed to have been caused after three farm dams located at Dassenberg collapsed, resulting in severe flooding.
According to the municipality, 14 people are in hospital with minor injuries or hypothermia and more than 400 have received humanitarian relief.
Around 200 people are also taking shelter at a local church and community centre.
Swartland community leader, Marlon Truter, described the situation.
"It's devastating. I tell you, it was totally shocking to the people. They said it sounded like an explosion when the water came down, but it was terrible, terrible, terrible."
Truter said he left the scene at about 10pm on Thursday night.
"I've had endless firefighters, rescue workers... personnel are still on the scene. I'm busy preparing to go back there right now. We're looking at about 50 families that are being housed in various sections of the community."
Truter said it's been amazing to witness how the neighbouring communities had come together to help with the mop-up operation.
"It actually brought myself and my wife to tears last night. When we sat down it actually hit us, the shock only hit us then, to see how beautiful it was seeing communities pulling together and saying 'right, let's assist.'"