Flood Death Toll Rises In Limpopo

The death toll from the heavy rains and flooding that have battered Limpopo has risen to 18, with at least five people still missing after being swept away by strong river currents.

The provincial disaster management department said conditions on the ground remain extremely dangerous, as rivers are still swollen following several days of persistent rainfall. Departmental spokesperson Tsakani Baloyi confirmed that rescue and recovery operations are continuing, despite difficult conditions.

“Rescuers were called to attend the scene, but nothing could be done as it was already dark. The search for the missing bodies was resumed this morning,” Baloyi said.

She added that a lifeless male body has since been recovered and lifted, while search teams are still looking for two adults and a four-year-old boy from the Bola area who were swept away by floodwaters.

Meanwhile, Phophi Ramathuba, Premier of Limpopo, has welcomed the classification of the floods as a national disaster, a move expected to unlock additional resources and support for affected communities.

In response to the unfolding crisis, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa convened an urgent Inter-Governmental Committee on Disaster on Saturday to assess the impact of the floods across the affected provinces.

According to the minister’s spokesperson, Pearl Maseko-Binqose, Hlabisa conveyed his deepest condolences to families and communities who have lost loved ones.

“The minister urged residents to remain vigilant, heed all warnings, avoid unnecessary travel and prioritise safety,” she said on Sunday.

Maseko-Binqose added that response and recovery efforts will continue to be closely coordinated to ensure that assistance reaches all affected communities.

“Minister Hlabisa reaffirmed that government stands firmly with the people during this recovery period and remains committed to supporting communities as they rebuild and recover,” she said.

Authorities have once again appealed to residents living near rivers and flood-prone areas to exercise extreme caution, as further rainfall could worsen conditions and place more lives at risk.