With 4th dam leaking, flood-hit Riverlands & Chatsworth residents warned to be on alert
The warning comes after three retention dams burst in the area on Thursday leaving over 220 people without a roof over their heads.
The aftermath of flooding in Riverlands, near Malmesbury in the Western Cape, after three dam retention walls collapsed on 8 August 2024. Picture: Melikhaya Zagagana/EWN
CAPE TOWN - Some residents in Riverlands and Chatsworth outside Malmesbury have been advised to remain on high alert as a fourth retention dam overlooking the area is leaking.
The warning comes after three retention dams burst in the area on Thursday leaving over 220 people without a roof over their heads.
Meanwhile, local officials are currently in a meeting to find solutions to the crisis.
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WATCH: EWN is at Riverlands in Chatsworth outside Malmesbury where three dams burst. According to the residents, they have also been told to stay on high alert because a fourth dam is leaking. About 220 people had their homes flooded. Crushed stone beneath the rail is eroded. pic.twitter.com/aDx5HO97OI
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) August 9, 2024
Humanitarian aid organisations, such as the Gift of the Givers, are in Riverlands to help those affected with a variety of supplies.
Some residents said that what happened could have been prevented.
One of the victims, a 74-year-old elderly woman, Kate Smith, said that authorities had been slow in addressing their issues.
"This is the worst thing ever that happened to us because our houses are flooded, houses are gone, Wendy houses and furniture all gone. My house is still standing, full of water, with the furniture in it, halfway through."
Authorities said that damage assessments were still underway, and the cause of the dam burst was also under investigation.