The dam burst occurred at around 06:00 on Sunday 11 September 2022.

ALSO READ: Houses, cars swept away by strong stream of water in Free State town | WATCH

MEC Tate Makgoe says on his Twitter account that the department's preliminary report thus far indicates that no educational facilities were affected. 

He, however, indicates that a challenge could be that of general access to the various schools.

ALSO READ: FS MEC on high alert following #JagersfonteinFlood

Kopanong Local Municipality's spokesperson, Solomzi Phama, told OFM News that the main power station supplying the entire area with electricity, was damaged by the flood as a result of a burst mine dam. Phama also said over 100 houses have been affected.

ALSO READ: #JagersfonteinFlood: 3 people missing, 1 suspected dead

“Please advise motorists to not use the R706 road between Bloemfontein and Jagersfontein, but [that they should] rather use the Petrusburg road to Koffiefontein, Fauresmith and Jagersfontein,” Phama added.

OFM News previously reported that the Free State's Premier, Sisi Ntombela, has activated a disaster management team and the Joint Operation Centre to Jagersfontein.

ALSO READ: Ntombela send disaster management teams to Jagersfontein

Ntombela’s spokesperson, Palesa Chubisi, said the teams sent to Jagersfontein will determine the extent of the disaster and also carry out evacuation processes where necessary.

Chubisi said 20 people have been taken to Diamant Hospital in Jagersfontein with minor injuries, and four are en route to Albert Nzula hospital in Trompsburg. She says no fatalities have been reported as yet.

Furthermore, the Department of Social Development MEC, Mamiki Qabathe, says she has learned with sadness of the collapse of a mine dam in Jagersfontein  that has led to the flooding of the area.

“We have also learned that some of the houses and cars have been swept away whilst other houses collapsed, leading some members of the community to escape with only the clothes on their backs,” Qabathe adds.

She has, with immediate effect, dispatched her team of social workers and community development practitioners to assess the impact of the flood, as well as assist with the evacuation of those affected to safe areas.

Qabathe further adds that the department’s social partners, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), Red Cross and Meals on Wheels have also been activated, and are already on the ground making assessments to ensure interventions are immediately put in place and that needed relief is provided to the affected.

OFM News