Child killed in heavy Mpumalanga storm

2012-10-17 14:38

(Shutterstock)

Johannesburg - A young boy was killed when the roof of his home collapsed in a heavy storm in Nkomazi, the municipality said on Wednesday.

"Heavy thunderstorms on Tuesday night caused excessive damage in the eastern Mpumalanga area and some houses collapsed while others had their roofing blown off," said municipal spokesperson Cyril Ripinga.

Three other residents from the same household as the seven-year-old boy were hospitalised with serious injuries, as well as five others from nearby homes.

Earlier on Wednesday, a warning was issued to Mpumalanga residents that the current heavy rains were expected to continue into the weekend.

Provincial spokesperson for the co-operative governance and traditional affairs department, Mohlalefi Lebotha, said the resulting rise in dam and river levels would make small streams and rivers very dangerous.

He advised parents to urge their children to keep away from river banks and avoid crossing full rivers and overflowing bridges.

Communities in low-lying areas were requested to take precautions.

Drivers were urged to exercise extreme caution on the wet roads and look out for rocks which might have fallen in some areas.

In the case of any possible flooding, residents were advised to call the Disaster Management Toll free number 0800 202 507.

- SAPA