Picture: One of the houses damaged/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
9 September 2026 – The North West Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) has commenced a comprehensive risk and vulnerability assessment to determine the extent and severity of damage caused by heavy rainfall, strong winds and storms across the province. The PDMC said the province experienced severe weather conditions between 4 and 6 September 2026, following an Orange Level 6 severe weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
The Head of the PDMC, Tebogo Gaolaolwe said the adverse weather resulted in widespread damage to both private and public property, flooding of roads and bridges and power outages in some areas. Gaolaolwe said following the issuance of the warning, the PDMC activated the Provincial Joint Coordinating Committee (PJCC), working through the Heads of District Management Centres (DMCs), to ensure a coordinated and integrated response to potential disaster incidents across the province.
“The North West is among the provinces that have been severely affected by the adverse weather conditions. According to our preliminary reports, critical infrastructure has been affected, including healthcare facilities, libraries and roads.
“We can also confirm that 60 schools have been affected. The most significant impact has been recorded on residential properties. In the Bojanala District, 53 houses and 21 informal structures or shacks were affected,” he said.
Gaolaolwe further said in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District, 94 houses were affected. He added that two people sustained injuries in Danville as a result of a house fire, while one fatality was reported in Mareetsane Village, outside Mahikeng.
Gaolaolwe said in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, 32 houses were damaged, with 11 experiencing flooding in the Mamusa, Greater Taung and Kagisano-Molopo Local Municipalities. He said in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, Matlosana and Maquassi Hills Local Municipalities were affected, with 13 houses reported damaged.
“Furthermore, water-level indicators erected along the N14 road between Vryburg and Kuruman recorded a significant rise in water levels following the heavy rainfall. This has affected the reopening of the road to heavy motor vehicles.
“The PDMC is currently consolidating and verifying preliminary reports received from affected municipalities and districts. The information will inform requests for assistance through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC),” said Gaolaolwe.
Gaolaolwe said they are already engaging with the NDMC through our advisory forum. He said at this stage, they have moved beyond the declaration and have reached the classification phase of the disaster.
“This will enable the reprioritisation and reallocation of funding to support affected sector departments and municipalities,” said Gaolaolwe.
He said affected families in various local municipalities have already received assistance, including blankets, mattresses and food parcels. Gaolaolwe said other affected households have been referred to the North West Department of Social Development, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the Red Cross and other relevant organisations for further assistance.
“The PDMC, as the coordinating authority of the PJCC, which comprises provincial sector departments, municipalities, traditional authorities and government entities, continues to closely monitor the situation across the province.
“The Centre will continue to coordinate and facilitate relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts to ensure that affected communities receive the necessary support and that damaged infrastructure is restored as swiftly as possible,” he said.
The Guardian 