Several areas in the North Eastern Cape experienced heavy snowfall followed by rain since 18 July 2002. Several buses and other vehicles were stranded in the mountain pass between Elliot and Ugie. Due to the weather conditions either 4x4 vehicles or helicopter rescue could not reach stranded people. A task team comprising Public Works, the District Council and the SANDF, had to clear thick snow in an attempt to reach the victims. Stranded people were evacuated by the evening of 19 July 2002.
A Joint Operations Center (JOC) was established in Queenstown on 18 July 2002 to manage the situation.
There was no communication or electricity in the affected areas as a result of power and telephone failure. In the affected towns, looters are breaking shop windows and big scale looting of shops is being experienced. The SAPS had to intervene in the situation.
According to preliminary assessments, fifty-three businesses, one hundred and two farmhouses, more than three thousand informal dwellings and several schools have been damaged. Stock loss is still unknown.
From preliminary assessments it is clear that extraordinary measures are necessary to assist the disaster-stricken areas. Consequently, Minister FS Mufamadi, Minister for Provincial and Local Government, today declared a state of disaster in the magisterial districts of Cala, Ugie, Elliot, Indwe and Barkly East Province in terms of the Civil Protection Act, 1977, as amended.
Enquiries: Mr LJ Buys at (012) 334 0726, 082 572 9353
Issued by Ministry for Provincial and Local Government
22 July 2002