Government aid to Stilfontein victims of earth tremor

North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo says that all damaged houses will be repair by government after the tremor on in the province. Image: ANC North West

This was confirmed by North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo, who visited the affected areas.

A preliminary assessment report, released by the Joint Operation Centre, which was established in response to this incident, shows that the earth tremor had a magnitude of 5.3.

It caused structural damages to more than 400 houses and buildings in places including Khuma, Kanana, Tigane, Alabama and Jouberton.

The quake, which was felt in parts of the country including Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga and KZN, claimed the life of a homeless man, who was found under rubble at an abandoned mining village in Orkney. Tremors reached Botswana, Swaziland and Mozambique.

Premier Mahumapelo said the provincial departments will work closely with the affected municipalities to ensure that the damaged houses are renovated.

"A team of engineers will be working around the clock to thoroughly assess the structural defects of all households and public buildings to ensure people's safety," said Mahumapelo.

At the moment, all badly affected houses have been cordoned off and occupants warned to stay away particularly as aftershocks are likely.

Ruth Molojwa, 54, whose house was also badly damaged, told the Mahumapelo that most of her furniture was flattened by the falling debris.

Mahumapelo also visited mine workers at the Tau Lekoa Mine in Orkney.