Joint Stakeholder Media Alert
For Immediate Release
Saturday, 24 August 2024
Advancing veld fires in various parts of the Amathole District Municipality which include Mbhashe, Ngqushwa, Amahlathi and Raymond Mhlaba LMs, has resulted in communities being displaced while others are being prepared to leave their homes at a moment's notice.
The Hogsback community under Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality has been placed on evacuation alert due to advancing wildfires in the area. An alert means that people do not need to leave their homes but should be prepared to do so at a moment's notice because of the potential danger to lives and health.
The first alert was received via the Greater Stutterheim Fire Protection Association at 09h00 on Saturday, 24 August 2024, warning of the Elandsberg Mountain fire ,which if not successfully contained, would propel for evacuation.
Also of consideration is the three-day FDI forecast noting that should the fire burn across the Cathcart Road to Forestry, the only option available to save lives would be full evacuation of the Hogsback community.
Communities are urged to remain calm during this phase as all fire emergency personnel try to contain the fire.
Also, a continuous monitoring of the R67, especially around Nico Malan Pass is active to alert motorists of any danger as a result of smoke over the road.
ADM may consider a possible declaration of a state of Disaster due to four local municipalities ( under its jurisdiction ) experiencing veld fires at the same time.
Loss of property in terms of livestock has not been costed, as assessments continue.
Updates will be provided on regular basis and communities are urged to keep a look out on the official joint stakeholders' social media platforms for accurate information updates.
Our 24-hr fire emergency centre number remains as follows:
Amathole District Municipality : 043 831 1275 |1084 | WhatsApp : 078 034 6401
Raymond Mhlaba LM : 046 645 645 7402 / 066 471 6042 |
Media Enquiries:
Amathole District Municipality:
Sisa Msiwa 079 889 4921 | WhatsApp- 071 215 8257 | Email-
Raymond Mhlaba:
Sivenkosi Mtiya 066 471 5895 | Email:
The evacuation alert is issued by the joint district disaster and emergency operations centre