Africa-Press – Eswatini. The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has issued a strong warning to residents living along the Komati River to remain vigilant following persistent heavy rainfall that has caused Maguga Dam to begin spilling.
NDMA Communications Officer Magman Mahlalela confirmed that the dam started spilling at approximately 12:30pm yesterday, following continuous rains that began on Saturday and extended through to Tuesday. Initial reports indicate a discharge rate of 42.8 cumecs. While verification of the figures is ongoing, communities downstream have been urged to stay on high alert as water levels are expected to rise further.
Mahlalela said the sustained rainfall over recent days has significantly increased inflows into the dam, leading to the spill event. He cautioned that further rainfall and changes in discharge patterns could worsen the situation.
“We encourage all communities living along the downstream areas of the Komati River to remain alert and exercise caution. Water levels may continue to rise depending on further rainfall and how the dam releases water,” he said.
Residents have been warned to avoid crossing flooded low level bridges, riverbanks and areas showing signs of saturation. Mahlalela stressed that unnecessary movement near the river should be avoided, particularly at night when visibility is reduced and risks are heightened.
“At this stage we urge the public to prioritise their safety. Avoid approaching the river and do not attempt to cross flooded areas under any circumstances,” he added.
The NDMA has activated its rapid assessment teams, who are currently conducting field inspections to determine the scale of the spill and assess its impact on vulnerable communities. Mahlalela said the agency is working closely with dam authorities, local leadership and emergency services to ensure coordinated monitoring and timely response.
He assured the public that verified updates will be issued once assessments are complete, urging residents to rely only on official NDMA communication channels and not unverified social media content which may cause panic or spread misinformation.
Local authorities in the Komati area have been deployed to alert homesteads situated close to the river to prepare for possible evacuations should the situation escalate. Community leaders have also been called upon to assist vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children and persons with disabilities.
The NDMA reiterated that although the situation is under close surveillance, the combination of continuous rainfall and dam spillover poses a serious risk that must be treated with urgency.
“Your safety comes first. We ask all residents to remain vigilant and strictly follow all safety instructions until we confirm that the risk has subsided,” Mahlalela said.
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