Severe Rainfall Claims Five Lives in Limpopo Province, South Africa
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Johannesburg, Jan 10 (NationPress) Five individuals have tragically lost their lives due to severe rainfall in South Africa's Limpopo Province, leading to widespread destruction of infrastructure, according to local government reports.
The provincial government of Limpopo has indicated that there has been considerable damage to schools, roads, and homes, leaving several regions cut off from access.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of five lives as a result of this rainfall, particularly in the Waterberg and Vhembe districts. The flooding has caused damages that exceed our expectations, and we express our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased," stated Phophi Ramathuba, the Premier of Limpopo Province.
She mentioned that a multi-departmental team has been formed to evaluate the damage and respond to the crisis.
"The team will implement immediate measures by visiting affected communities to repair damaged roads and collapsed schools. We will utilize available resources within Public Works to address the roads and bridges that have been washed away, while the social development department will assist the families in need," the Premier was cited as saying by the Xinhua news agency.
Intense rainfall has impacted various regions of South Africa since last weekend, resulting in fatalities and infrastructural destruction.
Thulasizwe Buthelezi, a member of the executive council for cooperative governance and traditional affairs in KwaZulu-Natal Province, reported that two people have died in the province since December due to the rain.
"The rainfall has led to the destruction of 370 houses and impacted 933 households, with damage to municipal roads, bridges, schools, and water infrastructure. The estimated financial impact of the damage in KwaZulu-Natal Province is projected to exceed $22.8 million," Buthelezi stated.
The provinces of Mpumalanga and Gauteng have also reported damage to bridges and other infrastructure.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms, additional rainfall, hail, and damaging winds affecting the province and areas along the escarpment and the Lowveld of Mpumalanga.
