As heavy rains continue to impact many areas across South Africa, Limpopo’s Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) is putting comprehensive contingency plans into action to protect vulnerable communities.
Molebatsi Masedi, the spokesperson for the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), expressed confidence in the province’s preparedness.
“The Disaster Management Act empowers us to take a proactive approach in safeguarding our communities,” Masedi stated. “Our contingency plan focuses on preventing and mitigating risks associated with heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Our teams are ready to respond rapidly to any emergencies that may arise.”
Since the summer season commenced in November 2024, the province has experienced significant rainfall, with the South African Weather Services issuing alerts indicating that Limpopo and the country at large should expect above-normal rainfall through the middle of summer. Unfortunately, this much-anticipated rain has led to devastating consequences. As of January 1, 2025, the province has faced numerous drownings, with reports indicating eleven fatalities due to the heavy downpours.
SAPS divers have been actively working to retrieve the bodies, with nine recovered so far. The locations of the outstanding bodies are Witpoort in the Waterberg District and Musekwa village in the Vhembe District. The details of the drownings include:
* Witpoort in the Phalala River at Waterberg District – 3 bodies; 1 in Villa Nora.
* Saselemani River in Vhembe District, Collins Chabane Municipality – 2 bodies.
*Greater Giyani Municipality in Mopani District – 4 bodies.
*Musekwa village in Vhembe District – 1 body of a three-year-old child.
“While we have robust measures in place, we urge all residents to remain vigilant during this rainy season,” Masedi added. “It’s crucial for communities to stay informed and report any emergencies to the authorities promptly.”
Limpopo’s PDMC continues to closely monitor the situation, collaborating with local agencies and the South African Weather Services to ensure the safety and well-being of residents throughout this challenging weather period. Communities are advised to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings as summer storms move through the province.