President Ramaphosa to assess flood damage in Mpumalanga as Limpopo death toll rises

President Ramaphosa to assess flood damage in Mpumalanga as Limpopo death toll rises

President Cyril Ramaphosa is preparing to visit flood-stricken areas in Mpumalanga after days of relentless rains left Limpopo reeling. The recent downpours have claimed at least 20 lives in Limpopo, with three people still missing, and displaced thousands from their homes.

Rising toll and widespread devastation

The SABC reported on Monday that the death toll in Limpopo had climbed from 17 to 20. Rivers overflowed, bridges were submerged, and many low-lying communities were completely cut off. Emergency services have been tirelessly conducting search-and-rescue operations to locate missing residents and provide relief to affected families.

Floodwaters have damaged hundreds of homes and disrupted schooling in the province. Some schools remain closed, while transport routes have been severely affected, complicating relief efforts and leaving many communities isolated.

Mpumalanga faces heavy damage

Mpumalanga, particularly Bushbuckridge, has also been hit hard. Roads are impassable, public facilities damaged, and schools have been forced to close temporarily. Mayor Matlanatso Lydia Moroane told Newzroom Afrika that the provincial government is currently assessing the situation to determine when learners can safely return to school.

“Safety is our top priority,” Moroane said. “We are still conducting assessments and will provide guidance as soon as possible to ensure that both pupils and educators are protected before schools resume.”

Severe weather warnings and ongoing risk

The South African Weather Service has issued its highest disruptive rainfall warnings for both provinces. Communities remain on high alert as rivers continue to swell and the risk of further flooding persists. Authorities are urging residents to follow emergency guidelines, avoid low-lying areas, and stay updated with official announcements.

Public reaction and relief efforts

Social media has seen an outpouring of concern, with many users sharing photos and videos of submerged roads, damaged homes, and stranded families. Local organisations, volunteers, and municipal disaster teams are working around the clock to deliver food, shelter, and medical assistance.

President Ramaphosa’s visit to Mpumalanga is expected to focus on evaluating immediate relief needs and coordinating resources to restore essential services. Analysts say the visit underscores the urgency of long-term flood mitigation strategies as climate-related extreme weather events become more frequent in South Africa.

{Source: IOL}

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