In an update to the devastating floods that have battered Limpopo and Mpumalanga since late December—initially claiming 11 lives as reported last week—the death toll has risen to 37 amid billions in damage, prompting a national disaster declaration. President Cyril Ramaphosa visited affected areas in Mpumalanga, urging better disaster responses amid climate change. Recovery efforts are underway as weather warnings ease and parts of Kruger National Park reopen.
Heavy rains driven by a low-pressure system from Mozambique battered the provinces for a week, causing widespread devastation. Building on earlier reports, the floods have now claimed 37 lives, damaged over 500 homes in Mpumalanga's Nkomazi municipality—with some reports suggesting up to 1,300 affected—and inflicted more than R4-billion in infrastructure damage across the provinces, though Mpumalanga alone estimates R2-billion in repair costs.
On January 19, the South African Weather Service downgraded its highest alert from Level 10 to 5, forecasting 30-60mm of rain in Limpopo's lowveld and eastern areas. The government declared a national disaster over the weekend, initiated by National Disaster Management Centre head Dr. Elias Sithole, to mobilize resources for relief and recovery.
Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa welcomed the declaration, stating it requires all government spheres to support disaster structures and coordinate multi-sectoral efforts. Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba echoed this, noting improving access to cut-off areas reveals extensive damage and emphasizing the need for national assistance to rebuild.
President Cyril Ramaphosa toured flood-hit Nkomazi, assessing destruction and calling on provincial leaders to engage communities directly. "It’s important that, as leaders, we should be able to go and meet our people and see exactly what has befallen them," he said. He linked the event's intensity to climate change, admitting response times could improve, and stressed enhancing disaster capabilities: "We’re now in an era where climate change is quite evident to everyone."
In Kruger National Park, southern gates including Paul Kruger, Numbi, Malelane, and Phabeni reopened to day visitors, though northern sections remain closed due to washed-out roads and bridges. SANParks spokesperson JP Louw advised caution on gravel roads. Search efforts continue for two teenagers swept away by the Selati River in Limpopo's Mashishimale village, while Phalaborwa faces fuel shortages from inaccessible roads. Schools and tourism sectors report additional impacts as assessments proceed.
