Heavy Rains Flood Ferdinand Postma Library; Multiple Research Areas Closed
- Karen Scheepers
- 2 minutes ago
- 1 min read
Intense rainfall across Potchefstroom on Monday 26 January 2026 has resulted in significant flooding at North-West University’s (NWU) Building E7, causing the temporary closure of key facilities within the Ferdinand Postma Library.
Library management confirmed on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, that several high-traffic study and research areas were affected by the water ingress. As a precautionary measure, the university has suspended access to several sections of the building until further notice.
Affected Library Spaces
The following areas are currently closed to all students and staff:
Masters and Doctoral Research Commons
Information Commons (Ground Floor)
Portions of the 2nd floor
The second floor is reportedly restricted as teams assess the extent of the water damage.
Interim Arrangements for Students
To minimize the impact on academic work, the university has activated several interim measures:
Postgraduate Students: Master’s and Doctoral students are advised to utilize the Honours Commons located on the 3rd floor.
Computer Access: Students requiring the facilities of the Information Commons may redirect to the Education Library (Building C6c) or use any of the available computer laboratories across the campus.
Weather Context
Current local forecasts for Potchefstroom indicate a 29°C daytime temperature with a low chance of immediate rain, though disruptive thundershowers are expected to return later in the week.
NWU Libraries will communicate further updates regarding the reopening of the affected floors as clean-up and safety assessments develop.
📚 ⛈️ 🚧
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