Limpopo flood-related deaths have risen to 23, with rescue teams continuing to search for seven missing individuals. The province has been battered by heavy rains, causing widespread damage and disruption to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and homes. The South African National Defence Force has deployed rescue teams to assist in the search efforts.
Two more bodies have been retrieved from streams at Nghomunghomu village outside Malamulele and in Louis Trichardt in Limpopo on Saturday.
This brings to 23 the number of people swept away by overflowing rivers and streams due to the flood.
The search for a five-year-old Siyanda Baloyi and two bakkie occupants swept away by flooding waters at Mbaula village outside Giyani and Tswinga village near Thohoyandou is continuing.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba says they have opened inquest dockets.
Ledwaba says, “According to reports, police responded to the scene, where the body of the deceased was found floating in a river near a local restaurant. The deceased was partially unclothed, wearing a brown striped T-shirt, blue and white underwear, black socks, and no shoes.”
He adds: “Emergency Medical Services certified both deceased persons dead at the scenes. The circumstances surrounding both incidents are unclear at this stage, and further police investigations will determine the cause of death
The affected areas include Mopani and Vhembe districts, where residents have been forced to evacuate their homes due to flooding. The government has declared a national disaster, with Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane announcing plans to provide temporary accommodation for displaced families ³ ⁴.
The flooding has also caused significant damage to infrastructure, with over 3,750 homes damaged in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. The government is working to restore services, including water and electricity, and has warned residents to exercise caution when traveling.
