Death toll from Limpopo floods rises to 18

The death toll from flooding in Limpopo has risen to 18 as search and rescue operations continue across the province.

It comes as search operations are expected to get underway on Monday morning for two teenage boys reported missing.

At least 5 others also remain missing after being swept away by strong river currents.

Authorities said that conditions on the ground remain dangerous, with rivers still swollen following days of heavy rain.

Two teens, aged 15 and 17, have been reported missing at Mashishimale Village outside Ba-Phalaborwa after being swept away by the overflowing Selati River late Sunday.

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A third young man managed to escape the situation and raise the alarm, but emergency teams were unable to begin search operations due to fading light.

Meanwhile, the body of an adult male has been recovered from the Mutale River and airlifted by helicopter to the Makuya soccer ground.

Provincial Cooperative Governance spokesperson Tsakane Baloyi said, “The number of fatalities has now risen from 17 as was reported from yesterday to 18 with five still missing.”

Meanwhile, search operations are also continuing for two people missing at the Tswinga River, as well as a four-year-old child swept away in Mbawula Village outside Giyani.