Urgent evacuation warning issued over imminent Senteeko Dam failure
All persons residing or operating downstream of the dam are instructed to evacuate flood-prone areas immediately and to comply with all directives issued by disaster management authorities and emergency services. Public access to the dam site is strictly prohibited.
De Kaap Echo is publishing the following media statement in full and without alteration due to the seriousness of the situation. The statement relates to the imminent risk of failure at the Senteeko Dam in Mpumalanga and contains urgent instructions for residents and businesses downstream.
Those affected are urged to evacuate flood-prone areas immediately and to comply with all directives issued by disaster management authorities and emergency services. Public access to the dam site is strictly prohibited.
The media statement appears below, published verbatim:
URGENT PUBLIC ALERT: IMMINENT FAILURE OF SENTEEKO DAM,
ALL RESIDENTS DOWNSTREAM INSTRUCTED TO EVACUATE
23 January 2026
For immediate release
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is warning the public that My Own Dam also known as Senteeko Dam, located in the Die Kaap River catchment in Mpumalanga, is at risk of imminent failure. This dam is owned by Shamile Communal Property Association (CPA) and is used for irrigation purposes.
An emergency safety assessment conducted by the Department’s Dam Safety Office has confirmed that the dam’s spillway structure has suffered severe and irreversible deterioration, including advanced erosion and undercutting leading to structural instability. Failure of the dam is imminent and may occur without further warning.
An uncontrolled release of water is likely and poses an immediate and serious threat to downstream communities, infrastructure, and the environment.
All persons residing or operating downstream of the dam are instructed to evacuate flood-prone areas immediately and to comply with all directives issued by disaster management authorities and emergency services. Public access to the dam site is strictly prohibited.
Emergency interventions currently in place are temporary risk-reduction measures only and do not prevent full or partial failure of the dam structure.
The Department is coordinating response actions with relevant authorities and will issue further updates as required.
The protection of life remains the Department’s highest priority.
Furthermore, the Department urges the public to share verified information responsibly.
END
Issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation
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