LIMPOPO – The South African Weather Service (SAWS), a short while upgraded the eastern parts of Limpopo from a orange (Level 9) to a red (Level 10) warning. “Persistent heavy rainfall is expected in the area overnight and into tomorrow and this will cause a serious strain on emergency services,” said the service in a tweet.
The flagged areas include, Musina, Thohyandou, New Collins Chabane, Giyani, Tzaneen, Ba-Phalaborwa and Hoedspruit.
⚠️A Red level 10 Warning issued for Eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga for today into tomorrow due to persistent heavy rain and more heavy rain expected tonight into tomorrow. This will cause serious strain on emergency services. Take extreme caution in these areas. pic.twitter.com/fwiQxkMMV6
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 24, 2021
The warning is effective from 12:19PM today until 11:59PM on Monday.
According to the service prolonged rainfall in the areas can lead to flooding of roads and settlements. This in turn can result in damage to property and infrastructure. “Residents are advised to stay indoors and to avoid crossing fast flowing rivers and flood bridges.
Flooding in Limpopo today https://t.co/K2zp8F1Y06
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 24, 2021
Meanwhile the Department of Social Development together with its agencies SASSA and the National Development Agency, have activated the social relief of distress programme in preparation for assistance to households that may be affected by heavy and continuous rainfall.
In a statement issued by the department, MEC Nkakareng Rakgoale said that social workers, Community Development Practioners, NDA and SASSA officials have joined officials from other departments and municipalities to ensure that they respond immediately should the need arise.
More flooding in Limpopo https://t.co/LPoeyPhJd6
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 24, 2021
“Psychosocial support teams have also been activated to work hand in hand with other sector departments to provide assistance to people who might be affected and displaced by the floods.” The department is ready to provide social relief of distress which includes food parcels, blankets and other basic amenities to displaced families.
“We have also started mobilising the private sector to come on board to ensure that we beef up our state of readiness of cooked meals at CNDCs, particularly in the Vhembe and Mopani Districts. The department’s agency, SASSA has also made 600 blankets and sanitisers available to ensure that we react promptly to our people as an assessment will be conducted by our officials on the ground.” said Rakgoale.
