Mopani prepares for tropical storm Eloise
Mopani District Municipality (MDM) has urged residents to be vigilant and stay indoors if possible since Severe Tropical Storm Eloise is expected to bring disruptive rain on Sunday and Monday.
The South African Weather Services (SAWS) has predicted heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday, but further warns that there is still more rain expected on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“Members of the public must avoid crossing rivers, flooded roads and low-lying bridges. We also wish to advise motorists to drive with caution,” said Odas Ngobeni, Mopani District Municipality spokesperson, adding that MDM’s Disaster Management Centre is on high alert.
SAWS warns that there is a severe risk (Orange Alert Level 9) for disruptive rain affecting Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, Greater Giyani Municipality and Maruleng.
They have also issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rain in Greater Letaba and Greater Tzaneen Municipalities.
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The possible impacts include: – Widespread damage to property and buildings – Major roads and bridges damaged or washed away – Widespread flooding of roads and settlements – Large communities not accessible for a prolonged period.
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Emergencies can be reported to the Centralised Communication Centre (CCC) on 015-306-7000, 015-307-5555 or 060-551-1911.
Kruger National Park (KNP) disaster management team is also on high alert as it is predicted that various parts of the park, particularly in the far north, will be affected.
“Our scientists, in conjunction with the South African Weather Services are closely monitoring developments and will advise on whether we need to evacuate camps in the affected areas or not. As a precautionary measure, we have already closed all gravel roads and some facilities in the Pafuri area after heavy rains which fell on the evening of 20 January 2021,” said Managing Executive at the KNP, Gareth Coleman.
South African National Parks (SANParks) advises that those persons with bookings at flagged camps in the far north such as Sirheni, Shimuwini and Bateleur Bushveld Camps as well as Sable Hide will be accommodated at Letaba, Mopani, Shingwedzi and Punda Maria Rest Camps.
“Emergency teams are on standby in the park, monitoring the situation and will be activated if there is any danger. We urge tourists to be extra cautious during this period and to call our emergency number for any assistance on 076-801-9679 or 013-735-0197/4064,” concluded Coleman.
