Limpopo’s disaster management teams on high alert as tropical storm “Eloise” moves inland

Tropical storm "Eloise" is expected to hit parts of the province this afternoon bringing with it heavy rains and strong winds. See here which areas will be affected.

LIMPOPO – Disaster management teams have been placed on high alert as tropical storm ‘Eloise” moves inland to Limpopo. MEC of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu says the teams are on alert and will deal swiftly with any eventuality.

This after the South African Weather Service issued a warning of disruptive winds for the Vhembe, Mopani, Capricorn and Sekhukhune districts.

⚠️Orange(L9) warning: Disruptive Rain: 23/01/2021 17h00 TO:26/01/2021 00h00 – is expected over the Loweld of Limpopo this evening, spreading to the eastern parts and the escarpment of both Limpopo and Mpumalanga and north-eastern parts of KZN tomorrow (Sunday).

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 23, 2021

⚠️Yellow(L4) warning: Disruptive Rain: 23/01/2021 17h00 TO:26/01/2021 00h00 – is expected over the escarpment and northern Limpopo this evening, spreading to the central parts of both Mpumalanga and Limpopo by tomorrow (Sunday).

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 23, 2021

The tropical storm is expected to bring with it heavy rains and strong winds which can lead to damage to infrastructure and services.

All stakeholders which include the Office of the Premier, South African Police Service, South African Defence Force (SANDF), Social Development, Health, Red Cross, Public Works, Eskom and SALGA are on standby.

Makamu urges residents in the affected areas to stay indoors and off the roads where possible during this period.

South African Weather Services also advises the public to:

stay indoors and off the roads, if possible, during the storm;
avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles;
abandon the vehicle and climb to higher ground, if trapped in a vehicle during a flood;
in buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level.
Switch off main switch of the house if it is looks evident that the house is going to be overflown by water;
Remove all electrical equipment such as heaters, fans, air coolers, etc, from the floor to higher places to avoid water damage to the equipment;
Do not use electrical equipment that was under water or which is suspected to be in contact with water;
Do not remove trees or branches that were damaged by the storm and are lying on or are touching electrical infrastructure.