01 Mar 2017

Operations are underway to rescue 39 people stranded at Thabatshukudu cattlepost near Mmatshumu in the Boteti Sub-district.

Letlhakane assistant district officer, Mr Bahithi Keiphokotse said victims were to be assisted on March 1 using a police helicopter.

About seven families were accommodated at Mokobaxane Primary School due to floods which hit the village on February 26.

Mr Keiphokotse said about two houses collapsed while others were flooded forcing families to be evacuated.

He said most yards were flooded with water that was flowing from the West side of the village towards the East.

A lane of Orapa-Maun road was also flooded and had to be closed, stated Mr Keiphokotse.

He said 1 18 families were registered to be assisted and only fifteen qualified for evacuation while four families were evacuated but the numbers increased and more were expected since Tuesday.

He said victims could not be assisted with tents, since their yards were flooded.

Mr Keiphokotse said they were looking for engines and generators to clear the ponds within the village while departments held a meeting with residents to address them on safeguarding themselves from floods.

He said those accommodated at the school were assisted with food, toiletries and blankets.

Mr Keiphokotse explained that families accommodated at the school had not in any way affected school business as suitable arrangement was made with the management.

Ms Ponatshego Keiswang, one of the affected explained in an interview that their two houses collapsed and everything was washed away by floods.

Another victim, Ms Kebaone Mokupi said they woke up to a flooded home on Sunday morning. ENDS