Following initial severe thunderstorm warnings, the South African Weather Service has escalated to an Orange Level 9 alert for disruptive rain and flooding in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, leading to precautionary evacuations from flood-prone camps in Kruger National Park. No injuries reported as guests are relocated.
Building on Saturday's Orange Level 6 warnings for thunderstorms in the Lowveld and escarpment of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has now issued an Orange Level 9 warning for heavy downpours expected Sunday into Monday, targeting eastern Limpopo's Mopani District, Mpumalanga's Bushbuckridge, and Collins Chabane municipalities. This follows prior heavy rainfall, with risks of widespread flooding, road/bridge closures, and damage to settlements.
Kruger National Park has responded by evacuating guests from vulnerable northern camps including Shingwedzi, Sirheni, and Bateleur. Park spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli stated: “There are no injuries, no fatalities. We are simply being proactive in terms of moving people from low-lying camps, as well as warning them that some low water bridges might be affected.” Bush camp guests from Talamati, Biyamiti, and Roodewaal are moving to Satara and Lower Sabie, while Balule and Pafuri face lower risks.
Mpumalanga's Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs urges avoiding low-lying areas, rivers, bridges, and flooded roads. Contingency plans include alternative access to Skukuza Airport. While KwaZulu-Natal has separate lower-level warnings, the immediate focus is northern provinces amid peak rainy season.
