One person has been confirmed dead while four are still missing.

The spokesperson of the provincial Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Sipho Towa, tells OFM that 73 patients were treated for injuries at the Diamant Hospital in Jagersfontein. 16 patients were released while the rest were kept for further observation. 

Seven patients were transferred to the Albert Nzula Hospital in Trompsburg, one to the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein and another one to the Mediclinic in Bloemfontein.

The walls of a slime dam at a local mine collapsed early on Sunday and swept away houses, cars and livestock.

The provincial spokesperson for the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Sello Thebe, said that MEC Mxolisi Dukwana will be attending an inspection of the affected areas with Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela, in order to brief Cogta Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

ALSO READ: Free State Education on high alert following Jagersfontein flood

Premier Ntombela's spokesperson, Palesa Chubisi, said the Free State Department of Education is liaising with district officials and principals to assess the state of education facilities, including access from the town and townships to the schools.

"The Social Development District offices are evacuating people in the affected areas to nearby farms. Humanitarian organisations such as Meals on Wheels, SA Red Cross and many more are assessing the situation to provide for the basic needs of residents affected by the flood.”

Municipal spokesperson Solomzi Phama indicated that over 100 houses have been affected whilst the power station supplying electricity to the town has also been damaged.

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