The Free State’s Department of Economy, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environment (DESTEA) has alerted the public about eight hippopotamuses that are missing following the flooding that occurred on Wednesday in Vierfontein near the Vaal river.
“During the recent floods, the camps were flooded and damaged. The hippopotamus disappeared after the flood came out of the boma in the Bellavue Free State private nature reserve (game farm),” the department said in a statement on Friday.
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The department said it immediately visited the farm to assess the situation and confirmed the incident. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
“People and farmers in the area have been notified and encouraged to be vigilant and not to confront the animal but to inform the department’s Environmental Management Inspector (EMI) when the animal is seen.
“It is unfortunate that the river level continues to rise, and this makes the operation difficult. The department will continue to monitor the situation and work with other stakeholders, including the farm owner, to try to find and capture the animal.
Vaal Dam water level
The water and sanitation department’s hydrological monitoring and forecasting system on Friday showed a decrease in water capacity at the Vaal dam.
As a result, two sluice gates have been opened, said the department in a statement.
The department is warning the public downstream of the Orange and Vaal River Systems, particularly the Lower Orange River and the Lower Vaal River, to remain vigilant and continue to exercise caution as water levels remain high.
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“The department will continue to monitor the flow of water in the affected rivers and dams, and urges the public to remain vigilant, avoid crossing low bridges, flooded rivers and streams, and evacuate if necessary if living near these watercourses,” he said. . department.
“Due to heavy rains in large areas of the country, many rivers are flooded, and most dams are full and overflowing.”
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