Night rescues and heartbreak as SANDF battles floods across Limpopo

Night rescues and heartbreak as SANDF battles floods across Limpopo

In the dark, battered by rain and violent winds, the thudding sound of helicopter blades became a lifeline for stranded families across Limpopo this week.

As relentless rainfall pushed rivers over their banks and swallowed roads, the South African National Defence Force launched urgent rescue missions, pulling people from rooftops, trees and flood-isolated buildings as entire communities fought to stay above rising water.

But amid the bravery and near-miracle rescues, tragedy struck. A four-year-old child was swept away by floodwaters before help could reach him, marking the province’s first weather-related death during this devastating spell.

Floodwaters rise fast, help comes from the sky

After two weeks of heavy rain, Limpopo’s rivers surged with little warning. Areas around Giyani, Phalaborwa and parts of the Kruger National Park were hit particularly hard, forcing evacuations and leaving residents stranded overnight.

On Thursday, search and rescue teams from the South African Air Force’s 17 and 19 Squadrons were activated from the Air Force Command Post. Helicopters lifted off from bases in Pretoria and Hoedspruit, heading straight into dangerous conditions.

The SANDF confirmed that the overnight operation ran from late on 14 January into the early hours of the next morning, with crews flying through severe weather to reach people facing imminent danger.

Pulled from rooftops, trees and rising rivers

One of the most dramatic rescues unfolded in Mbaula Village outside Giyani. Communities had already begun helping one another, pulling neighbours onto rooftops and higher ground as floodwaters tore through homes.

SANDF crews were directed to a family trapped near the flooded Olifants River. One family member had climbed into a tree to escape the water and was rescued from above as the river continued to rise.

A local chief was also airlifted from the roof of his home, a moment that quickly spread across social media, with many praising both community courage and the SANDF’s rapid response.

Those needing medical care were flown to Maphutha Hospital near Phalaborwa, while helicopters continued scanning for people clinging to trees or isolated by water.

Rescues stretch beyond villages

The flooding didn’t spare critical infrastructure. An Oryx helicopter was dispatched to Phafuri Port of Entry, where Border Management Authority and SAPS members found themselves surrounded by water.

Elsewhere, an Agusta A109 helicopter was used to hoist 18 people to safety from the flooded Khambaku Lodge outside Phalaborwa, another reminder of how quickly water overwhelmed normally secure areas.

A child lost, a province in mourning

Amid the rescue efforts, Limpopo’s MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu, confirmed heartbreaking news: a four-year-old child died after being swept away by floodwaters while trapped with his mother in a tree.

“One death is too many,” Makamu said, describing the loss as deeply painful for the province.

On social media, condolences poured in, alongside anger and fear as residents questioned whether enough warnings were being heeded and whether communities truly grasp the speed and danger of floodwaters.

Red alert as rain refuses to ease

The South African Weather Service has issued a red level 10 warning for Limpopo, covering 15 and 16 January. Areas including Ba-Phalaborwa, Greater Giyani, Greater Letaba, Greater Tzaneen and Maruleng face continued heavy downpours.

Authorities warn of flooded roads and settlements, damaged homes, loss of livestock, and prolonged disruptions to water, electricity and schooling.

Provincial officials are now collating damage reports, with municipalities leading assessments. Government is also considering declaring a Provincial State of Disaster to unlock emergency funding.

A familiar warning, repeated again

Makamu reiterated a message many South Africans know too well and too often ignore.

Communities are urged to avoid crossing flooded rivers, bridges and streams, and to limit travel during heavy rain. With soil already saturated, even moderate rainfall could trigger new flooding.

On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa, joined by Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, visited Mbaula Village and surrounding areas to assess the damage firsthand.

For now, Limpopo waits under heavy skies, relying on the courage of rescue crews, the resilience of communities, and the hope that the rains will finally ease.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com