Severe flooding across Limpopo raises death toll and leaves families desperate for missing relatives. Picture Credit: Facebook
By Aisha Zardad
Limpopo – Communities across Limpopo province are reeling as severe flooding triggered by days of heavy rainfall has claimed at least 19 lives, with authorities and families continuing search and rescue operations for missing persons. The latest fatality was discovered in Ba-Phalaborwa, raising the province’s official death toll from the recent weather events.
The discovery of the male body in the Ba-Phalaborwa area is believed to be linked to drowning incidents caused by swollen rivers and intense runoff, officials said. The province has grappled with widespread flooding that followed heavy rainfall, thunderstorms with hail, and strong winds affecting multiple districts.
Earlier in the week, two boys — aged 15 and 17 — were reported drowned in the Selati River at Mashishimale village, contributing to the number of missing persons amid the floods, officials confirmed.
Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Basikopo Makamu, said that search and rescue operations continue in the hardest-hit areas, including Tshwinga in Vhembe District as well as Mbaula and Ba-Phalaborwa in Mopani. Teams comprising rescue personnel, K9 units and swift-water divers are intensifying efforts to locate missing people.
Makamu urged residents to avoid risky activities such as swimming or crossing flooded rivers and to refrain from unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain. He also emphasised that disaster management, social development, SAPS and emergency services are working together to support affected families and preserve lives and dignity during this challenging period.
Beyond the tragic loss of life, the floods have inflicted significant damage on homes, roads, schools, health facilities, agriculture and local infrastructure, leaving some communities cut off and struggling. Provincial and district management centres are coordinating relief efforts, providing temporary shelter and distributing essential supplies to displaced families.
The impacts of the severe weather extend beyond Limpopo. Mpumalanga province has also recorded numerous deaths and large-scale damage, prompting disaster declarations and national emergency responses. Authorities continue to monitor weather patterns and forecast ongoing rainfall that could exacerbate flood risks.
