CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — South Africa has declared a national disaster in response to devastating torrential rains and floods that have resulted in the deaths of at least 30 individuals in the northern regions of the country. The floods have caused significant damage, affecting thousands of homes and leading to the destruction of roads and bridges.
The national disaster declaration was made by the head of the National Disaster Management Center and announced by the government, enabling the national government to effectively coordinate the disaster response. The worst impacts have been reported in the northern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, where the fatalities occurred. Additionally, the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs reported that at least three other provinces also experienced severe weather conditions.
Heavy rains have persisted across parts of South Africa and neighboring nations, including Mozambique and Zimbabwe, for several weeks. Since the onset of the rains late last year, more than 100 individuals have lost their lives across these three countries due to flooding. The severe flooding in northern South Africa led to the closure of the famed Kruger National Park, necessitating the evacuation of hundreds of tourists and staff members from inundated camps to safer areas within the park.
Limpopo's provincial premier reported that the catastrophic weather has resulted in approximately $240 million in damages to the province, with many homes and buildings completely washed away due to the relentless flooding. This region has faced severe consequences from weather-related disasters in recent years. For context, over 100 deaths were reported last year in South Africa's Eastern Cape province due to flooding, while more than 400 fatalities occurred in the eastern KwaZulu-Natal province in 2022 as a result of similar weather events.
Rescue teams have been actively searching for four individuals, including 5-year-old Siyanda Baloyi, who is believed to have been swept away when his home was flooded in Limpopo province last Thursday. Additionally, authorities reported that a government official from Ekurhuleni municipality, situated east of Johannesburg, is missing after a vehicle he was in was swept away by floods in Mozambique. Andile Mngwevu and others traveling with him are also unaccounted for.
In more positive news, South Africa’s renowned Kruger National Park is set to reopen for visitors after having to suspend operations due to heavy flooding. The park, one of the largest game reserves in the world and covering approximately 2,000 hectares (7.7 square miles) along the borders with Mozambique and Zimbabwe, sustained extensive damage from the recent heavy rains that have also claimed the lives of over 20 people in the region.
The ongoing severe weather and resultant flooding continue to challenge the affected communities as they confront the aftermath of these natural disasters. Authorities remain vigilant in their response efforts, focusing on rescue operations, recovery, and rebuilding as they navigate the complexities posed by these catastrophes.
