464 people affected by floods

NHLANGANO - Preliminary daily assessments have put the total number of people affected by the torrential rainfall at 464, while 107 schools were affected.

This is contained in the latest situation report by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).

NDMA Communications Manager Wandile Mavuso said there were two deaths reported since the rainfall started, while the number of damaged or destroyed houses had increased to 92.

He said more than 464 people have been affected. Mavuso stated that even though the rainfall was intermittent and the intensity had decreased, the country was still at risk since rivers, bridges and streams were still overflowing. “Access to basic services in most affected areas remains limited,” he added.

Mavuso shared that a rapid assessment was conducted to ascertain the extent of damages and affected areas, adding that a tentative response and recovery budget was also submitted to mobilise resources from government and partners.

He shared that NDMA was seriously constrained financially to respond accordingly. However, he said the agency had been able to assist a total of 75 people from 15 households with immediate response commodities.

Tents

Mavuso said six tents, seven tarpaulins and two food parcels (cereal, pulse and oil) were distributed to affected households.

“The Eswatini Meteorological Services forecast has predicted the probabilities of rainfall and thunderstorms throughout the week. The National Early Warning System advises that dams and rivers are still full and overflowing, which will lead to extended flooding downstream,” remarked Mavuso.