Location: Mpumalanga, South Africa – Near White River and Nelspruit/Mbombela
Event: South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation has issued an urgent public alert (linked and attached) 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. This dam is located within walking distance of Emjindini, 35 km (22 miles) from Nelspruit, and 45 km (28 miles) from White River.
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.
U.S. citizens should avoid all travel to areas downstream of Senteeko Dam until further notice.
U.S. citizens currently in or near the affected downstream areas are strongly advised to:
- Evacuate immediately from flood-prone zones as directed by local authorities.
- Follow instructions from South African disaster management and emergency services.
- Avoid the dam site entirely, as public access has been prohibited.
Emergency mitigation measures currently in place are temporary and do not eliminate the risk of full or partial dam failure.
Actions to Take:
- Monitor local media for updates
- Avoid affected areas.
- Seek secure shelter.
- Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
- Move to higher ground or higher floors to avoid rising waters.
- Remain current on weather, road, and water conditions through reliable news sources such as the South African Weather Service (https://www.weathersa.co.za/ ).
- Visit Ready.gov for tips on emergency preparedness.
Assistance:
- U.S. Consulate General Johannesburg
011-290-3000
ACSJohannesburg@state.gov
https://za.usembassy.gov/johannesburg-u-s-consulate/
- Contact the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs
1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada
1-202-501-4444 from other countries or follow on X and Facebook .
A file has been attached to this message, please view the attachment(s) below:
MEDIA STATEMENT – URGENT PUBLIC ALERT ON IMMINENT _260123_164744.pdf (PDF 151 KB)
