Orkney Vaal Flood 2023

Orkney Vaal Floods 2023

On 19 February 2023 the first of the flood waters arrived at the shores of the Orkney Vaal Private resort on the outskirts of Orkney in the North-West Province of South Africa.
The flood waters were a result of heavy rains in the Vaal Dam catchment area which resulted in the dam level reaching full capacity which forced the opening of sluice gates. The quantity of water flow increased to the point where the Vaal River broke it normal tranquil banks and started invading homes close to the shore.
But the disaster was only just unfolding.
Orkney Vaal Private Resort is more than a pleasure resort, it is a very diverse community from the affluent to those in dire need all interwoven into a community where almost everyone knows everyone else. Some have a holiday home here while others have retired to live their remaining years on banks of the Vaal River. There are also those who live in need in sometimes semi-hidden sections of Orkney Vaal near Double-Story homes and Guest Houses, but everyone lives mostly in peace.
But then the flood waters came.
While many were evacuating the homes closest to the River on 19 February 2023 more flood waters were on their way and would only arrive in the early hours of the morning on 20 February. People scrambles to evacuate, but in many cases pensioners and those in need simply had no means to evacuate as the homes where their only residence and many did not own trucks or trailers. The community helped where they could, but resources were limited and many suffered damages beyond just losing a home.
On 20 February 2023 the peak of the flood waters arrived and as many as 2/3s of the houses in the resort suffered flood damage. The entire resort was ordered to evacuate, but many had no other place to go. More than 80 people were left destitute and at least 25 families had to be placed in temporary places of shelter in the town of Orkney. More people who lost everything they owned have been temporarily housed by friends, family and others who offered a place to stay.
There are many in need.
For many the homes near the River in Orkney Vall contained all the worldly possessions. It is not our place to judge anyone who chose to stay where they did knowing or not that some time in future a flood may come. If you would like to assist in any way possible, many of these people need the following:
Bedding and Blankets
Pots and Pans
Cutlery
Basic Toiletries
Cleaning Basics
Rubish Bags (black bags)
Clothes and Shoes (any size)
Non-perishable Foods
Coffee, Tea and Long Life Milk
Fruits and Vegetables
Basic Over the Counter Medication
If you wish to donate, contact Pastor Petro Kotze of Voetlig Bedieningon 076 986 5919