MBOMBELA – Mpumalanga is facing a disastrous situation as continuous heavy rains have caused widespread destruction, resulting in multiple fatalities, damage to infrastructure, and extensive devastation across the province.
The province is severely disrupted, with several schools, bridges, and roads impacted by the floods. The D2296 road between Karino and Tekwane South is among those affected, temporarily closed after a culvert collapse on January 12.
MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, has inspected the severe flood damage in the province, highlighting the extensive impact on government infrastructure, private households, and businesses. He also confirmed that six bridges across the province have collapsed due to the heavy storms.
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The situation is expected to worsen as the South African Weather Services(SAWS) has issued a Red Level 10 warning, the highest alert level, indicating a high risk of severe flooding and danger to life in areas including Nkomazi, Mbombela, and Bushbuckridge.
This warning follows several days of intense rainfall, which has already saturated catchment areas, rivers, and dams, increasing the likelihood of widespread flooding.
“Disruptive rain with further heavy downpours leading to widespread flooding, resulting in danger to life due to fast-flowing streams, displacement of communities, and widespread damage to settlements or structures over the northern escarpment and the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, as well as the southern Lowveld of Limpopo,” reported SAWS in a statement.
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Rainfall totals of 100-200mm are expected, leading to widespread flooding, displacement, and damage to homes and structures. Consequently, residents are urged to exercise extreme caution, avoiding flooded roads, bridges, and rivers. More stable conditions are expected from January 20 onwards.
