VRYBURG – A total of ten rescue scenes and one recovery operation were executed in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District of the North West Province since the heavy rain commenced in the past few days.

During these incidents, a total of eight persons were successfully rescued from the water. Of these, three individuals were clinging to tree branches for survival in Reivillo, Pudimoe and Taung, while five others were rescued after the vehicles they were travelling in were swept away by floodwaters.

One life was lost when a 12-year-old girl went swimming in a quarry on Sunday afternoon 3 May at approximately 17:30 in Lokgabeng, next to Mokasa 2 village in Taung. Her body was recovered on Monday 4 May, said Colonel Adéle Myburgh, police spokesperson.

Warrant officers Christo van Heerden, Pieta Lamprechts, Walter Congwane, Johan van Wyk, together with Captain Topsie Smit, as well as Sergeant Moletsane Alfred Moloi of the Vryburg K9 Search and Rescue Unit, have been working around the clock since the early hours of Friday 1 May when the first distress call was received at approximately 03:30.

The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner of North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo has commended the exceptional bravery and selfless compassion displayed by members of the North West Provincial Diving Unit and Vryburg K9, following heavy rainfall that resulted in flash floods, sweeping away community members.

ALSO READ: Relief efforts ramp up as Gift of the Givers responds to flooding crisis

“The dedication, courage and unwavering commitment displayed by our divers and search and rescue members are a true reflection of the values of the South African Police Service. They placed their own lives at risk to save others under extremely dangerous conditions. We honour their bravery and extend our deepest condolences to the family of the young girl, who tragically lost her life,” said Naidoo.

Safety precautions

• Do not cross a road that is closed due to water that is overflowing the road surface.
• Before entering the water, assess the strength of the current.
• If caught in a fast-flowing river, travel feet first, this will protect the head and body from serious injury.
• If you fall into water and are unable to stand and reach the side, you should:
  • Stay calm.
  • Try not to swallow water.
  • Keep your head above the water by kicking as if you are cycling and by paddling with your hands at the same time.
• When you swim in open water it’s much harder than swimming in the still waters of a pool. This means you may tire faster and that can lead to trouble very quickly.
• When swimming in rivers or lakes, the murky water can make it difficult to find people who go under.
• If you swim in a place with a strong current, such as where two rivers meet, it can be easy to be pulled under and swept away.