Limpopo Devastated by Floods: 14 Dead, Thousands Affected as Infrastructure and Homes Destroyed

by Hope Ngobeni

image source

Limpopo province is reeling from the devastating impact of the recent heavy rains and flooding, which have left a trail of destruction across the region. As of the latest reports, more than 352 homes, 108 schools, 412 roads, seven clinics, and 19 bridges have been significantly damaged. Tragically, 14 lives have been lost to drowning, with six others suffering injuries from the extreme weather.

On January 15, a special meeting of the Limpopo Executive Council (EXCO), led by Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, convened in the Modimolle-Mookgophong local municipality to assess the scale of the devastation. The meeting followed the national state of disaster declarations made in November 2024 and again on January 12 due to the combined effects of windstorms and heavy flooding.

The situation is grim, as families face the destruction of their homes, with roofs torn off, windows shattered, and personal belongings swept away by the floods. The violent hailstorms and flash floods have caused severe damage to vital infrastructure, including schools, clinics, roads, and bridges. The Waterberg district municipality has been particularly hard hit, with the Witpoort Hospital severely impacted by the overflow of the Phalala River, forcing the evacuation of patients to Ellisras Hospital. Fortunately, the Department of Health has confirmed that the hospital has resumed full operations after its temporary closure.

In response to the catastrophe, the provincial government has launched emergency relief measures, including shelters for displaced families. The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has provided food parcels to those in need, while Gift of the Givers has contributed additional food relief. Local municipalities have distributed blankets to help alleviate the suffering of affected residents.

Furthermore, the National Department of Human Settlements has stepped in to assist, supplying building materials for 29 houses in the Mamatlakala village, near Mokopane. As assessments continue, authorities are working to determine which families are eligible for permanent housing assistance.

The scale of the damage remains alarming, with extensive destruction to homes, schools, and essential services across the province. As the recovery process begins, the provincial government has requested additional funding to support rebuilding efforts, following the R850 million already sought for the October 2024 disaster.

In the coming days, MECs will tour the province to assess the full extent of the damage, with a focus on areas where bridges and roads have been washed away, leaving communities isolated. Premier Ramathuba emphasized that the priority will be to address access issues first, before turning attention to the reconstruction of infrastructure like roads, schools, and clinics.

While waiting for further support from the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), the provincial treasury will analyze departmental expenditure reports to identify available funds for immediate recovery needs. The provincial government is urging residents to remain vigilant as the severe weather conditions persist, and is committed to doing everything possible to restore normalcy to the devastated communities.

The heartbreak and hardship felt by many in Limpopo serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters. Yet, amid the devastation, the spirit of resilience is evident as local, provincial, and national efforts come together to support the rebuilding of the province.

You may also like

Leave a Comment

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?
-
00:00
00:00
Update Required Flash plugin
-
00:00
00:00