Location: Low-lying areas along the N4 Highway and Crocodile River between Matsulu, South Africa, and Ressano Garcia, Mozambique; already flooded areas along the Incomati River from Ressano Garcia, Mozambique to Macaneta, Mozambique.
Event: South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation has issued an urgent public alert warning of the imminent failure of the Senteeko Dam (also known as My Own Dam) in the Die Kaap River catchment, Mpumalanga Province, due to severe structural deterioration. A flood on the Die Kaap River of this nature could affect low-ying areas along the Crocodile River, including communities frequented by American citizens such as Malalane, Marloth Park, and Komatiport.
Mozambique’s National Directorate for Water Resources Management has also issued an alert warning failure of the Senteeko Dam will increase water levels along the Incomati River already suffering from flooding, including Moamba, Magude, Manhica, Marracuene, and Macaneta.
Authorities have indicated that dam failure may occur without warning, potentially resulting in sudden flooding, and posing a serious risk to life, property, infrastructure, and the environment.
Actions to Take:
- Monitor local media for updates
- Avoid affected areas.
- Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
- Move to higher ground or higher floors to avoid rising waters.
- Visit Ready.gov for tips on emergency preparedness.
- Remain current on weather, road, and water conditions through reliable news sources:
