Scary mudslide in Jagersfontein damages Eskom supply [WATCH]

The tragic mudslide due to a mine dam burst has damaged Eskom’s bulk supply, leaving the area of Jagersfontein with no power.

FLOOD AFFECTS ESKOM BULK SUPPLY

The tragic event that took place in the Free State town has left Eskom losing its bulk supply in Centlec. Centlec is the electricity distributor responsible for Jagersfontein town and township.

Four Eskom customers in the Fauresmith-Spitskop feeder, three customers on the Pompie-Rietkuil feeder and the Jagersfontein Mine are without supply.

Spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha said the power utility aims to restore power supply to the mine before the end of Sunday.

“Eskom’s Rietkuil substation was also engulfed by the mud resulting in a total loss of bulk supply to Centlec.”

Sikonathi Mantshantsha

Because of the current situation in Jagersfontein area and inaccessibility to Eskom substations, the estimated time of power restoration cannot be determined. The extent of the damage is also not yet known.

“Since Eskom’s telecommunication system is also affected by the flood, the impact on the surrounding networks is still unclear. Any meaningful updates will be promptly communicated,” said Mantshantsha.

ALSO READ: Mining town residents evacuated after mine dam collapsed

MUDSLIDE CAUSED BY FLOOD

The flooding has caused a mudslide in the area. Emergency Services and other services have responded to the mudslide incident.

This means that the road entering Jagersfontein from Bloemfontein is completely flooded by mud. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) is en route to the site, said spokesperson Nathi Shabangu.

“The DMRE has noted with concern the unfolding incident in Jagersfontein, Free State, where a flooding occurred as a result of a reported mine dam burst.”

Nathi Shabangu

He said upon the department’s arrival on site, further information will be communicated following investigations.

ALSO READ: Watch: Umdloti beachfront left in tatters after more KZN floods

RESIDENTS EVACUATED WHILE ONE IS MISSING

Residents of the mining town have been evacuated from their homes on Sunday morning.

It has been reported that several homes in nearby Charlesville area have already collapsed.

According to the Free State Emergency Services, seven people were rescued from the mudslide, but one person is still missing.

23 patients have reportedly been taken to Diamant Hospital for suffering minor injuries. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported.

Speaking to the SABC, the Free State Emergency Services said a pregnant woman is among those admitted to hospital.

At the time, he had said a search and rescue operation was underway to find four missing people.

“Badly affected areas [are] Charlesville and Itumeleng. So far, the clinic and hospital are not affected. There is no electricity in the entire town,” said spokesperson Neo Sammuel Kabi.

Farmers have however reported deaths of their cattle in the area.