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

Provincial spokesman 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.  

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Thu May 23 06:55:35 SAST 2013 ::

Oct 17, 2012

Mellow

Shame so heartbreaking may his soul RIP
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