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Floods force Kruger Park closure and helicopter evacuations
South Africa's Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces have suspended visits to the world-famous Kruger National Park after relentless rain triggered widespread flooding, officials confirmed on Friday.
Park authorities airlifted guests and staff from flooded staff quarters on Thursday night. No wildlife casualties have been reported; rangers say animals instinctively move to higher ground.
Death toll reaches 19 as storms intensify
At least 19 people have died across the two provinces in the past three weeks, including a five-year-old boy in the Limpopo town of Giyani. President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the boy's family on Thursday to express condolences and survey the damage.
Red alert issued for more rain
The South African Weather Service raised a level-10 red warning on Friday, forecasting additional downpours and urging residents to remain vigilant.
"If possible, stay indoors and off the roads. Never drive on a road covered by water. If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground."
South African Weather Service
Officials also advise moving valuables above expected flood levels, switching off electricity at the mains, and relocating livestock to elevated areas.
Military deployed for rescues and repairs
Helicopters and soldiers have been sent to the hardest-hit zones to rescue trapped residents and begin rebuilding washed-out roads and collapsed low-lying bridges. Local authorities report many schools and health clinics remain either destroyed or cut off.
Limpopo pledges $244 million for recovery
Limpopo Governor Phophi Ramathuba announced a 4 billion rand ($244 million) emergency fund on Friday to restore power, water, and transport networks. She described the road damage as "impossible" for the province to address alone and requested additional central-government support.
"The grief and distress of our fellow citizens is shared by all of us," Ramathuba said.
Climate change fuels worsening floods
Reuters reports that flooding in south-eastern Africa has grown more frequent and severe as climate change intensifies storms over the Indian Ocean.
