Multiple sinkholes have formed at key intersections, including Stilfontein Road and Van Zyl Street, as well as Stilfontein Road and Connaught Street. The incidents are believed to have been caused by a leak in a water pipe at the old reservoir in Stilfontein, said Matlosana municipal spokesperson Ntswaki Makgetha.

“The roads are temporarily closed due to safety concerns. Traffic is diverted towards Khuma and joins Stilfontein town then the N12. The provincial and municipal authorities on-site are managing the flow. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and follow diversion signs.”

‘Heavy downpours over recent days have led to widespread flooding’

Meanwhile, disaster management teams across the North West are conducting urgent needs and impact assessments after severe weather conditions left a trail of destruction in several parts of the province.

Heavy downpours over recent days have led to widespread flooding, causing damage to both public and private property. Despite the scale of destruction, authorities confirmed that no injuries or fatalities have been reported.

In Rustenburg, flooding left homes waterlogged in Seraleng and Ramochana, while a windstorm damaged 33 houses in Mamerotse village. Fallen trees and branches blocked roads, and electricity disruptions further affected residents.

Homes were destroyed by heavy rains. Photo supplied

North West cooperative governance and traditional affairs spokesperson, Thebeetsile Keameditse, said emergency teams responded swiftly to the incidents. “Disaster management teams were promptly activated.

“A TLB was deployed to divert water away from residential areas. Sassa provided food parcels, blankets, and mattresses to 22 affected households. Eskom restored electricity, and Parks and Cemetery workers cleared fallen trees and debris.”

In Matlosana, strong winds caused additional damage, affecting 29 houses in Khuma. Three informal structures were damaged, while the roofs of 12 RDP houses and 14 formal houses were blown off. Windows were shattered, and some walls sustained structural damage.

Informal and permanent homes were destroyed by the rain. Photo supplied

Infrastructure was also impacted when a pipe burst along the N12, damaging the roadway. The lanes between Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp were temporarily closed, with traffic authorities redirecting motorists. Sanral and other stakeholders were notified.

Other parts of the province were also affected. Three wards in Verdwaal experienced windstorm damage, while hailstorms shattered windows in several homes in Mahikeng.

“Disaster management teams are currently conducting needs and impact assessments across all affected areas in the province. No injuries or fatalities have been reported. Teams remain on standby for further interventions, and the provincial disaster management centre will continue issuing early warnings,” he added.

The recent severe weather aligns with the South African Weather Service, which indicated that South Africa would experience above-normal rainfall during the 2025/26 rainy season due to the La Niña phenomenon.

While La Niña conditions are expected to bring relief to the agricultural sector by easing drought conditions, they also present risks. Communities in flood-prone areas, particularly informal settlements, remain vulnerable to severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, and strong winds that can damage homes and infrastructure, Keameditse said.

The provincial disaster management centre, in partnership with other stakeholders, will continue implementing seasonal disaster management plans aimed at reducing risks and ensuring rapid response to future incidents.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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