Residents of Riverlands, near Malmesbury in the Western Cape, are grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods that began nearly two weeks ago when three dams in Dassenberg failed, followed by a fourth dam bursting on Saturday. The flooding has left the community without clean water, electricity, or passable roads, and some residents have lost their homes entirely.
One resident recounted the terrifying experience on 8 August 2024: “The water was like thunder. My sister and her five-year-old son were swept away by the current and carried down the road until they managed to grab onto the train tracks. It was a very long distance.”
Both were hospitalized, with the child being treated for water in his lungs and the sister suffering serious scratches and bruises, forcing her to take medical leave.
The initial dam breach in Dassenberg triggered severe flooding across Riverlands, Chatsworth, and Dassenberg, with a further flash flood on 17 August exacerbating the situation. The work carried out by the Department of Water and Sanitation at a fourth dam caused this second wave of flooding.
The floods have left many residents without proper shelter as homes were destroyed, and essential furniture and appliances were washed away. One resident shared how their house was partially submerged, causing significant damage to electrical appliances: “The water got behind the fridge and washing machine. We had to put pallets on the floor. When we tried to use a dryer, it tripped the power. Now, after getting wet again, we had to move it outside to dry in the sun.”
As the community begins to recover, there is growing frustration over the lack of communication from the government regarding the dams, which had been used for irrigation before the disaster. Residents are unsure when they can return to their homes or expect assistance. A local leader emphasized the need for accountability, noting that the community had previously warned officials about safety concerns at the dams, but these warnings went unheeded.
While some residents near the riverside have regained electricity, those closer to the dams remain without power. The primary school has reopened, but the Survivors Crèche remains closed due to severe damage.
Community members are now seeking compensation for the property and income losses caused by the floods. Businesses have been particularly hard hit, with damaged roads halting operations and disrupting the supply of fresh goods. One resident highlighted the personal toll: “Some staff may never return to work, and we are now hand-washing clothes since two fridges and a washing machine were ruined.”
In response to the crisis, a charity has stepped in to provide essential supplies, including blankets, food, and water. The organization’s Western Cape coordinator described the shock felt by the community as roads turned into rivers, forcing evacuations. The charity has also delivered 400 barrels of animal feed to farmers whose fields were devastated by the floodwaters and pledged to continue providing support.
Local officials have confirmed that 107 people are currently housed at two shelters as cleanup operations continue. The municipality is supplying water to affected residents, and an investigation is underway to determine the ownership and responsibility for the dams.
