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Floods

By on January 18, 2012 in General

Hi all

Thanks for your concern, much appreciated! We are all OK, if somewhat shaken and wet. Hoedspruit has measured rainfall in excess of 450 mm in the last 36 hours – nobody can recall when it has ever rained like that here, the devastation is incredible; the road infrastructure is extensively damaged and we are cut off from the rest of the world.

The saddest loss of the day for me personally was Gowrie dam, the dam at Vuyatela, it simply could not release the deluge through its overflows and the water topped the wall; that wall has stood for more than half a century, but went in few minutes.

Anyway, nobody has been hurt and tomorrow is another day, I hope it is not as wet as today.

dam wall breached

61 Responses to Floods

  1. beastfan January 18, 2012 at 6:53 pm #

    Thank you for letting us know. We are all sending good thoughts you way!

    Reply
  2. Trina January 18, 2012 at 6:57 pm #

    Just stay safe please!! The Dam wall can be rebuilt, but all of you there can not be!!!! Sending prayers your way!

    Reply
  3. PoutyGorilla January 18, 2012 at 6:58 pm #

    Praying this will end soon and you will be spared further damage.

    Reply
  4. sally January 18, 2012 at 6:58 pm #

    thanks for sharing..so glad everyone is ok

    Reply
  5. Karen Gilliam January 18, 2012 at 6:59 pm #

    Thank you for the post Jurie.
    Nature can surely be quite amazing but yet so destructive too can’t she.
    Keeping thoughts and prayers for all affected.

    Reply
  6. Liz Williams January 18, 2012 at 7:02 pm #

    Wow – the power of nature is truly amazing! I am so glad that everyone is OK. This is going to be a monumental task to clean up though.

    Reply
  7. Deborah Rose January 18, 2012 at 7:06 pm #

    Wishing I could be there to help with whatever needs to be done…prayers to one and all and to all our animals!!!

    Reply
  8. MarlynUK January 18, 2012 at 7:07 pm #

    Pleased you are all safe.

    Reply
  9. Bronwen January 18, 2012 at 7:07 pm #

    God is with you – that’s all that carries me through. My son is a ranger at Thornybush so my knees and faith are going to bring you guys out of this! Keep safe, go well………..

    Reply
  10. Jose January 18, 2012 at 7:09 pm #

    Blerry hell! 😐 (pardon my French) Stay safe, folks!!

    Reply
  11. Judi Bjerklien January 18, 2012 at 7:13 pm #

    What devastation!!!!!Thank goodness the Djuma crew is okay.Hope your lodge faired well also. Pray there is not too big a loss of wildlife on your reserve and you have no rainfall for awhile so you can dry out and weather is good for all the cleanup you have ahead of you.
    wiblkbear

    Reply
  12. linda January 18, 2012 at 7:15 pm #

    My prayers are with you all

    Reply
  13. Dalene K January 18, 2012 at 7:15 pm #

    We are so sorry about this tragedy and are keeping you all in our prayers.

    Reply
  14. Bob Bowman (auk) January 18, 2012 at 7:15 pm #

    So sorry to hear the news! Stay safe! You’re in our thoughts!

    Reply
  15. Tippywi January 18, 2012 at 7:18 pm #

    Please stay safe!! You are in our thoughts & our prayers. Big Hugs

    Reply
  16. Tracy January 18, 2012 at 7:22 pm #

    Wow, that’s just about 18 inches of rain in less than 2 days! I’ve seen news reports on the situation. I hope the rain ends very soon for all of you. Most importantly, stay safe. Sending positive thoughts your way! Thank you for the update, there’s been much talk about all the flooding.

    Reply
  17. Anthony Corvelli January 18, 2012 at 7:25 pm #

    That is truly incredible. Glad to hear everyone’s alright though.
    Wow… I am just in shock…..

    Reply
  18. carolyn January 18, 2012 at 7:28 pm #

    i am so glad you all are ok , and pray that everything goes better for you all

    Reply
  19. Jen MN January 18, 2012 at 7:30 pm #

    Good to know all are ok. Thank you for posting in the midst of the tribulation.

    Reply
  20. margie mac donald January 18, 2012 at 7:32 pm #

    So glad everyone is safe .It must have been scary

    Reply
  21. Theresa January 18, 2012 at 7:42 pm #

    We will keep you in prayer.

    Reply
  22. Birdsie January 18, 2012 at 7:48 pm #

    I’m so glad you are all safe. Hope Gowrie can be rebuilt–you have taught us what a life-saver it is for so many different animals.
    Hope the animals have made it through, too! I will await your updates. Thank you for the photos–nothing quite like seeing it with our own eyes. Stay safe!

    Reply
  23. VeeTX January 18, 2012 at 7:56 pm #

    I am saddened to see the devestation that has taken place due to the deluge you experienced, but happy to see that all personnel are fine. Prayers being said for you and surviva of the animals. Gowrie is a loss, but can be rebuilt. Stay safe!

    Reply
  24. Lee Criswell January 18, 2012 at 7:57 pm #

    So sorry for this tragedy for all of you there – please keep yourselves safe and high as possible; things can be replaced, people cannot. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

    Lee C.

    Reply
  25. Dorth January 18, 2012 at 7:57 pm #

    I didn’t know about the rain or flooding until now. Thank goodness everyone is safe and I will keep you in my prayers. Hope the wildlife is safe too.

    Reply
  26. Milly January 18, 2012 at 8:06 pm #

    So sorry to hear and see this devastation in Djuma..Please be safe. God Bless^i^

    Reply
  27. Lisa Osborne January 18, 2012 at 8:49 pm #

    Thank God you are all ok. What a loss and big mess this is. But roads can be rebuilt and nature will replace any vegetation gone, but you cannot replace a life and hoping that all the animals made it through this as well as you all have. Thank you so much for keeping us all updated. We may be spread out around the world but everyone at Djuma is part of our extended family and we worry when we don’t hear anything. The pictures really put in perspective just how much rain has fallen. Please stay safe and lets hope this rain is the last for a long time. ~~ Lisa

    Reply
  28. BETZ January 18, 2012 at 8:58 pm #

    WOW, what a storm, all my prayers and blessings go out to all people and the animals involved. You all take care. I will pray for the hippos who were in gowrie dam at the time of the storm, and the folks at the lodge, I pray all are ok. Bless all! BLESSINGS AND PRAYERS FOR PENNY LEGG AND REDTAIL, JOE TOO.

    Reply
  29. Sally Wehner January 18, 2012 at 9:06 pm #

    Thanks for letting us know and showing us the pictures of the dam. So very glad you all are ok and hoping recovery won’t be too hard. Best wishes to all. Sincerely, Sally

    Reply
  30. Jump January 18, 2012 at 9:16 pm #

    Thank you for the updates, picks. I sure hope, and pray you all stay safe and dry.

    Reply
  31. Maya January 18, 2012 at 9:19 pm #

    I am so Sorry and my heart goes out to All People and Animals of Africa! May God stand by you and be your strength. I will be praying !

    Reply
  32. Binky January 18, 2012 at 9:30 pm #

    Oh no, what a scary predicament you are in. So very happy to hear that you all are safe! Sending prayers for everyones safety and peace of mind. Thank you for letting all of us know the situation there. Hugs to you!!!

    Reply
  33. MJ Bradley January 18, 2012 at 9:56 pm #

    Thank you for letting us know you all are ok.. I wish we all lived closer so we could volunteer to help clean up and rebuild Gowrie Dam… I hope our 4 legged critters found shelter from the storm.. Until we hear from you again.. Please know you are in our thoughts.

    Reply
  34. Molly Malone January 18, 2012 at 9:58 pm #

    So sorry to hear of the devastation, please keep well and know you are with us in our thoughts.
    Best wishes to all,
    Molly

    Reply
  35. Christine Parker January 18, 2012 at 10:04 pm #

    Thanks for letting us know and sharing the pictures….how sad to see that damage.Best wishes to all and hope for a fast recover.

    Reply
  36. reader January 18, 2012 at 10:18 pm #

    Please keep us updated. Sending positive thoughts to all…Take Care!

    Reply
  37. Liz Freeman January 18, 2012 at 10:21 pm #

    What a crazy year for weather.. Need rain, WAY too Much rain.
    Just you all (people and animals) be safe.

    puppetgal

    Reply
  38. Red Robin January 18, 2012 at 10:34 pm #

    Thank you for the update and the pictures. Know that you all are in our hearts and prayers. You are all special to us and we hurt with you. Wish we could mail ourselves to you and help with the clean up. Do take good care and let us know how things progress. My best to you and your family. Much peace to you.

    Reply
  39. Kinty January 18, 2012 at 10:36 pm #

    WOW this is terrible news but at least you are all safe. I do wonder about the animals though, hope they got through the storms and will be back when things have settled down. Our thoughts are with you all during the coming weeks when life will slowly get back to normal..and hopefully Gowrie will return as good as new. Take care everyone.

    Reply
  40. dollynow January 18, 2012 at 10:54 pm #

    thank you for the update,,,,,,,l hope everyone can stay safe,,,,,,,, the weather is so unpredictable anymore,,,,,,hope penny, red and tara are safe as well,,,,,,,,,,,

    Reply
  41. Goodheart January 18, 2012 at 11:02 pm #

    Hello to you all,

    I am so relieved to hear that everyone is ok! Djuma needed the rain but we were all wishing it not be at once! The pictures of the dam going are shocking! Thankfully, the damage can be repaired but not yourselves. I am also hoping for news on how the animlas fared in this disaster. Especially our Queen Karula’s family. There are so many of us that still feel connected to Djuma animals and yourselves. We are too far away to help you but are thinking of you every day and wishing the best for you all in the cleanup ahead!

    Sending hugs.

    Reply
  42. Julyia January 18, 2012 at 11:11 pm #

    All of the Djuma’s, staff and visitors alike are in my thoughts and prayers. Thankful that nobody was hurt – Please know how much we care about each and every one of you.
    xxxx please take good care of yourselves ~ Julyia

    Reply
  43. Penny Corcoran January 18, 2012 at 11:39 pm #

    So sorry you have had such damage. Gowrie Dam is a huge loss. It was a place we loved and visited every day on safari.tv and its predecessors. I hope all the animals took safe shelter. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Penny C.

    Reply
  44. Betty Angstadt January 19, 2012 at 12:13 am #

    My thoughts are with you, lately it seems you just can’t catch a break there. I agree with others ….. the dam can be rebuilt as long as everyone is ok that is all that matters. Thank you for the pictures and taking the time to keep us informed. God Bless

    Reply
  45. jody morrison January 19, 2012 at 12:22 am #

    Jurie, Pippa, and all our friends and extended family: If prayers were work hands, all would be cleaned up in an hour. THANK YOU for the update. Please keep letting us know how you all are doing because we are worried sick about you, Dixie, the animals, other villages and lodges. Blessings to all with many prayers

    Reply
  46. Liv Haasper [ Firelfy] January 19, 2012 at 1:02 am #

    You’re in our hearts and prayers. I hope all of Djuma will be well.

    Reply
  47. Amber the Birdie January 19, 2012 at 1:40 am #

    Much love and good wishes being sent your way.

    Reply
  48. hygienist January 19, 2012 at 2:12 am #

    Your in my thoughts. Wishing a fast recovery. Glad all are ok. We can replace walls and roads but not our lives. Grateful your all ok.

    Reply
  49. Lea January 19, 2012 at 2:40 am #

    Water can be so destructive, and intrusive. I am thankful that the people in the area are safe. May the force of love and family come together for the support you will need at this time.

    Reply
  50. Diane Wales Baillie January 19, 2012 at 3:13 am #

    Nature can wipe everything in a few seconds – thankfully the people are safe – hope that not too many animals were lost . You are all in our thoughts and prayers – stay strong, sad about Gowie Dam

    Reply
  51. Cheryl in KCMO January 19, 2012 at 5:07 am #

    Jurie, Pippa, and friends ~ Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and everyone affected by the terrible flooding. We are thankful you all are okay and while the loss of Gowrie Dam is heartwrenching, it can be rebuilt. God’s Blessings to you all.

    Reply
  52. Bbe Richmond January 19, 2012 at 5:20 am #

    That is a lot of rain, And Gowrie Dam gone. I hope any animals in the area were able to get to higher ground. Stay safe and warm. Please continue to keep as posted – when you can. Jurie, Pippa and all your staff you are in my thoughts.

    Reply
  53. Doris Charles January 19, 2012 at 6:53 am #

    OH i am so sorry Pippa Jurie and staff and helpers, this has been a dreaful happening My thoughts are with you i hope it has not left to much damage to the lodge and suroundings,Mother Nature can be very cruel take care look after yourselves.

    Reply
  54. Barb/OH January 19, 2012 at 10:59 am #

    Glad all of you are safe. I couldn’t believe Gowrie Dam, heartbreaking to see it this way; still the most important thing is all of you are safe. Big Hugsssssss

    Reply
  55. Elaine January 19, 2012 at 11:30 am #

    Oh, my, Pip and Jurie, Fantastic shots of your loss of the dam but so sorry to see that happen. .

    I wish i still had the video that you sent to me..probably in 2000?..not sure of that date. It was of Pippa walking ahead of you, across the damwall to where it had overflowed . ..and the sound of the water rushing by was almost unbelievable…and Eric barking at the onrushing water !! Looking at your pictures, I can almost hear the water and its sound…
    It was on my oldest PC..and all new MS systems apparently coudn’t save it…
    I am so glad that all are safe and that the lodge and your house are both uphill from the dam. …..and i do hope that your tomorrows are not as WET as your yesterdays..

    regards,
    Elaine.

    Reply
  56. Robin Matthews January 19, 2012 at 4:54 pm #

    So sorry to hear about it. Glad all are well. Lots of good energy coming your way, and to the way of the animals in the area.

    Reply
  57. Caddie HEike January 20, 2012 at 7:54 am #

    Hey, Djuma! avuxeni!
    A second morning i am sitting on pc,…watching pics and reading news,..i am very concerned!,…u ti/hu hylaisa!!! take care and stay safe – if possible! Wish i could help,…..

    Caddie HEike *Waves* from Germany

    Reply
  58. Randy Gilson January 22, 2012 at 7:37 am #

    Glad to hear there was no one hurt. I hope the dams can be rebuilt without too much trouble and expense. I may live in the USA, but my heart will always lie in Djuma….

    Reply
  59. Joan Bloodgood(big cat or retired jb) January 23, 2012 at 7:11 pm #

    Hard to believe those pictures are real! Keep heart, and faith. Stay safe…..Remember, that something good always results from something bad! Hoping the good will reveal itself to you soon. Thoughts are prayers go out to all at Djuma and all who were touched by this devastation.

    Reply
  60. ANNE J January 24, 2012 at 5:32 am #

    So sorry for your loss in these floods and rains. Glad that everyone at Djuma is OK.

    Reply
  61. Ton January 27, 2012 at 7:50 pm #

    if you want to see pic’s from the floot please look here http://www.sanparks.org/forums/viewtopic.php?style=2&f=67&t=59027

    Reply

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