Weather service warns of more heavy rainfall in Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning of more rainfall expected in Gauteng including over the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga from Monday evening into Tuesday morning.

According to the SAWS, there is a 60% chance of showers and thundershowers over the provinces and the heavy rainfall could result in flooding as the soil is still saturated due to the rainfall from the tropical depression Eloise.

“Orange warning for disruptive rainfall that is expected over the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga that could result in flooded low-lying areas, isolated incidents of breaching earth dam walls, general disruption to traffic and basic services, flooding of roads and settlements (both formal and informal), dangerous driving conditions on our tarred and dead roads due to increased number of pot-holes, as well as danger to life (particularly fast-flowing rivers and streams),” the weather service said in a statement at the weekend.

ALSO READ: PICS: Parts of Kruger Park submerged as heavy rainfall continues

⚠️CAUTION⚠️Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces are in for more rainfall from Monday 01/02/2021. Take note and be Weathersmart. Take care pic.twitter.com/4aGsf7RXRW

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 30, 2021

Several camps and bridges were inaccessible in the Kruger National Park due to continued heavy rainfall in the Limpopo area.

On Saturday, the park reported flooding from the Limpopo River, so much so that a ranger had to rescue an employee in Pafuri north of the park.

The Limpopo River’s high levels meant water reached Crook’s Corner early on Saturday morning. Luckily, the flow subsided substantially afterwards.

South African National Parks (SANParks) spokesperson Isaac Phaahla said the swollen rivers caught the Kruger Park in the middle of assessing damages due to tropical storm Eloise last week, making the situation slightly difficult.

However, Phaahla said rivers are subsiding slightly from the high levels shown on Sunday morning. He said that as an extra precaution, all gravel roads have been closed.

Compiled by Thapelo Lekabe, additional reporting by Nica Richards.

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