Heavy rainfall has caused devastating floods across South Africa’s Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, forcing the closure of Kruger National Park and emergency evacuations of guests and staff. Rising waters have swept through towns and rural areas, killing at least 19 people and leaving widespread destruction in their path.
Within the national park, flooding struck staff housing late Thursday, prompting helicopter evacuations to secure safe shelter for workers and visitors. Authorities say the park’s roads remain submerged, making it impossible for visitors to safely continue their trips.
The torrential rains have destroyed thousands of homes, with some structures completely washed away. Among the victims is a five-year-old boy from Giyani in Limpopo. President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the family to express his condolences and assess the damage in the region.
The South African Weather Service has issued a red level 10 warning, its highest alert, predicting more rainfall and urging residents to remain cautious. Its guidance is clear:
"If possible stay indoors and off the roads," it advises. "Never drive on a road covered by water. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground."
Officials have also recommended moving valuables to higher ground, switching off electricity at the main source, and relocating livestock to safe areas. Rangers say wildlife in the parks is less at risk, as animals instinctively move to elevated land during floods.
Helicopters and the military have been dispatched to rescue people in the worst-hit areas. Soldiers are also helping to rebuild damaged roads and bridges in Limpopo, while many schools and clinics remain inaccessible due to the floods.
Limpopo governor Phophi Ramathuba expressed her sorrow for those affected, saying she shares in "the grief and distress" of her "fellow citizens". She announced an allocation of 4bn rand to restore critical services such as water and electricity.
Ramathuba also requested additional assistance from the national government, noting that "the sheer scale of the damage to the road network has made it impossible for the province and affected municipalities" to manage on their own.
Flooding in south-eastern Africa has grown more frequent and severe in recent years, Reuters reports, with climate change strengthening storms over the Indian Ocean and increasing the risk of extreme rainfall events in the region.
