Five people have tragically lost their lives following severe weather conditions in Limpopo, where heavy rains have caused widespread flooding and dangerous water levels. According to Waterberg Mayor Jack Maeko, the first three fatalities occurred on New Year’s Day, when three individuals drowned in separate incidents in the Phalala River. An adult who had been fishing and two minors who were swimming were caught in the current. Police divers have managed to recover two of the bodies, but the search continues for one missing minor. Efforts to locate the young victim have been hampered by the relentless rainfall, which has led to rising water levels in the river.
In another incident, two 16-year-old boys tragically drowned in the Levuvhu River in the Vhembe District while playing near the water in Xikundu. The bodies of the boys were recovered from the river shortly after the incident. The series of drownings highlights the dangers posed by the ongoing rainfall and the volatile conditions in the province, with many rivers overflowing due to the heavy storms.
The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued multiple weather warnings, signaling that the situation may worsen. A Yellow Level 4 warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms, accompanied by more rain, hail, and damaging winds, which are expected to affect parts of Limpopo, the escarpment, and the Lowveld of Mpumalanga. Additionally, an Orange Level 5 warning for disruptive rain has been issued for the northern districts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), including Zululand and Mkhanyakude, adding further concern for the region’s residents.
The relentless storms in KZN have also led to a number of deadly traffic accidents. On Monday night, a tragic multi-vehicle pile-up on the N3 at Van Reenen’s Pass claimed the lives of 18 people. The provincial Department of Transport confirmed that authorities are now searching for a truck driver who allegedly fled the scene of the crash. This accident follows a major crash on the N3 the day before, which resulted in significant delays and part of the highway being closed for several hours. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, as authorities work to understand the causes of these fatal accidents.
The continuing severe weather in Limpopo and surrounding provinces serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by heavy rain and flooding, with communities urged to stay vigilant and avoid travel during periods of intense weather.
