Update 1 - Rescue Mission in Lesotho for trapped South African and Lesotho Citizens at Thabaseka

Pretoria: The Department of Foreign Affairs was today, Friday, 4th August 2006 informed by its High Commission in Lesotho on the latest with regards to both South African and Basotho nationals who were trapped in the snow.

By Thursday night information received from the SA High Commission in Lesotho indicated that Eight South African and Lesotho citizens were had been trapped at Thabaseka following the snowfalls. Accordingly, a reconnaissance mission by the Lesotho Air Force was immediately ordered on Thursday with a view to locating the trapped victims. Due to poor visibility the mission had to be postponed.

A rescue operation including a medical team was ordered today, Friday 4 August and wish to report as follows:

• between 10 - 12 people have been rescued and brought to safety by Defence Force helicopters and were taken to the hospital in the Roma University town, 40km outside Maseru.
• No casualties have been reported thus far and the rescue mission is combing the area under drastic snowing conditions to search for more people who might be trapped.

The Department of Foreign Affairs through its High Commission in Maseru will continue to render the necessary consular assistance until the rescue mission is complete.

Issued by Nomfanelo Kota on 082 459-3787

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag x 152
Pretoria
0001

4 August 2006