Persistent, torrential rainfall continues to batter the Giyani area, causing severe flooding that has stranded motorists, disrupted livelihoods, and forced emergency helicopter rescues in at least one village.
The situation remains critical, with a Level 10 weather warning in effect and no immediate end to the downpour in sight. A key road linking the towns of Giyani and Phalaborwa is heavily flooded and impassable, leaving taxi drivers and other motorists stuck.
The community of Mbaula village has been among the hardest hit. Yesterday, flood victims there had to be airlifted to higher ground by helicopter. The devastation in the area has been described as severe by reporters on the scene.
In a tragic development, authorities confirmed that a 5-year-old boy from Mbaula remains missing. Police spokespersons clarified that the child should not yet be presumed dead and that search operations to trace him will continue today.
A local taxi driver, interviewed at the flooded roadway, emphasized the crisis’s impact on the community’s livelihood, stating that the conditions have made movement and work impossible.
Provincial leadership is set to address the escalating situation. The Premier of Limpopo, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, is scheduled to brief the media later today with an update on the flood response and conditions.
According to the South African Weather Service, while the intense rainfall is expected to subside over the coming weekend, the immediate danger and disruption persist. Emergency services and community efforts remain focused on rescue operations and assisting displaced residents.