/ 25 December 2007

Buffels River bursts its banks

The Buffels River at Laingsburg has burst its banks after heavy thunderstorms in parts of the Western Cape Karoo on Monday night, the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported on Tuesday.

According to the report, floodwaters rose over the N1 bridge, which had to be closed for short periods during the night.

The river had since subsided, but it was still raining steadily at Laingsburg. Police said there were no immediate reports of damage, injuries or fatalities.

Laingsburg was devastated by floods on January 25 1981, when the Buffels River also burst its banks. Over a hundred people lost their lives and only 21 houses were left after the water receded. – Sapa