Death toll from Limpopo flooding rises to 9

The death toll from the flooding in Limpopo has risen to nine.

Limpopo government officials provided an update on Friday afternoon on the situation following heavy rains that have battered parts of the province for days.

On Thursday, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) upgraded its warning for Limpopo to a red level 10 - the highest alert - warning of extreme conditions with a real risk to life and infrastructure.

Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba said search and rescue operations are still under way in some of the worst affected areas.

She conveyed her condolences to families who have lost loved ones, while also acknowledging the scale of the challenges facing the province as it attempts to assist displaced communities.

“The damage to the road network makes it impossible for the province and also our affected municipalities to have the ability to respond.”

Ramathuba has called on the national transport department for assistance, saying provincial and municipal resources are not capable of carrying out critical repairs.

“The intervention of the national government, in particular the Department of Transport through SANRAL, must be extended to provincial and district roads.”

Forecasters warn that rainfall in Limpopo is expected to continue into the new week, raising concerns about more flooding and damage.

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