By: Matshidiso Selebeleng
Torrential rains have left a trail of devastation across the Free State, North West, and Northern Cape, displacing hundreds of families, damaging homes and infrastructure, and forcing children out of school as floodwaters continue to rise in several communities.
The severe weather follows a Level 6 warning issued by the South African Weather Service on April 27 for disruptive rainfall, which triggered widespread flooding in parts of the country.
According to a situational report compiled by South African Red Cross Society official Claudia Mini, at least 115 households in Bloemfontein were affected by flooding, with homes submerged and informal settlements suffering extensive damage. Areas hardest hit include Bergman Square, Peterswart, Phomolong informal settlement, and MK Square.
In Welkom, the impact was even more severe, with 212 households evacuated to places of safety on May 1 after heavy rains and overflowing water systems worsened flooding conditions in Wards 16 and 25.
The floods have also dealt a blow to local agriculture, with two soya bean farms reporting significant crop losses due to inundation. Relief efforts in the area are being coordinated through the Lejweleputswa Municipality Disaster Centre, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and the Department of Social Development.
In the Northern Cape, wards 13, 14, and 15 in Joe Morolong Local Municipality were among the hardest hit, with villages such as Heiso, Dikhing, Bojelapotsane, and Skerma affected by rising floodwaters.
An early childhood development centre was damaged, while some residents were left stranded as floodwaters cut off access routes and surrounded homes. Authorities also reported eroded roads and damage to a bridge in the area.
Response teams have faced challenges reaching some communities because floodwaters have made several roads inaccessible, delaying damage assessments.
In the North West, homes in Ramochana and Seraleng were damaged, while at least 33 houses were destroyed in Mamerotse village.
Further storm-related destruction was reported in Matlosana, where strong winds damaged homes in Khuma by ripping roofs off both formal and RDP houses. Hailstorms also shattered windows and damaged walls in Verdwaal and Mahikeng.
While no fatalities have been reported in the three provinces, hundreds of residents have had to be evacuated as authorities continue monitoring conditions.
The South African Red Cross Society has warned of serious health risks in the aftermath of the floods, particularly due to sewage contamination and disrupted sanitation systems.
The organisation said communities could face outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid as contaminated floodwaters seep into water supplies. Cases of leptospirosis and hepatitis A could also increase in areas where stagnant water remains.
Secretary General of the South African Red Cross Society, Molefi Takalo, said ahead of World Red Cross Day that the organisation remains committed to supporting affected communities.
“Our teams and volunteers remain on the ground, working with government and local partners to conduct assessments, provide psychosocial support, and distribute relief items to affected families during this difficult period,” said Takalo.
He also appealed for donations of essential supplies and financial support to help expand emergency relief operations as the scale of devastation continues to grow.
The South African Red Cross Society said assessments are ongoing as rainfall persists and communities brace for further flooding.
