Limpopo floods: Province seeks intervention of national government

The Limpopo government has moved to escalate its response to rising floodwaters by asking the national government to formally intervene.

The request comes as severe weather continues to cause extensive damage to infrastructure and disrupt daily life across several districts.

With schools shut, roads cut off and communities isolated, officials say extraordinary measures are now needed.

The provincial government has requested the national Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) to declare the flooding a provincial state of disaster.

Days of relentless rain have left bridges and roads submerged, particularly in Vhembe and Mopani, where schools have been forced to remain closed and learners are unable to return to class.

Communities have also been cut off from clinics, transport routes and basic services, with power outages reported in some areas.

Limpopo Cogta MEC Basikopo Makamu says a disaster declaration would unlock emergency funding and allow for a faster, more coordinated response, including relief, repairs and recovery.

“Already we are in the process of submitting a local state of disaster to be declared, but also we are going to look at classifying it as a state of disaster provincially,” said Makamu.

Officials say conditions remain dangerous as heavy rain continues, and residents are urged to avoid flood-prone areas.

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