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Rivers overflowed in Kruger Park after Cyclone Eloise strikes.
- Several major highways had to be closed, forested savanna camps were evacuated, and rivers filled and flowed heavily due to heavy rains inflicted by Tropical Storm Eloise.
- The wet weather is expected to continue beyond Monday, as predicted by the South African Meteorological Services.
- The public is warned against the circulation of false news that can cause panic and anxiety.
Several major highways had to be closed, forested savanna camps evacuated, and rivers filled and flowed with force due to heavy rains inflicted by Storm Eloise that hit Mozambique on Sunday.
According to the Kruger National Park, weather conditions change minute by minute, yet they are on high alert because heavy rains have been falling throughout the day.
“Currently, there are heavy downpours, the rivers are filling up and flowing strongly,” Kruger National Park spokesman Ike Phaahla told News24.
PHOTOS | Cyclone Eloise causes flooding in Limpopo, KZN
Phaahla said the bush camps that had been evacuated were inaccessible. The road between Punda Maria and Shingwedzi in the park was also submerged and closed, as was the main Mopani road, Phalaborwa.
The Mpumalanga Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said they had also been experiencing heavy rains, although no major incidents had been reported since the heavy rains began. However, sporadic cases of damaged houses have been reported in Mkhuhlu in Bushbuckridge Township.
“All of our disaster management systems remain on high alert,” said MEC Mandla Msibi.
“Our roads are slippery and we urge users to drive carefully,” he added.
Msibi warned that those in the vicinity of rivers and dams must monitor water levels and be ready to evacuate.
The humid weather is expected to continue beyond Monday, the South African Weather Service said. The municipalities of Nkomazi, Mbombela, Thaba Chweu and Bushbuckridge in Ehlanzeni district have also experienced heavy rains.
In Nkangala district, the municipalities of Emalahleni, Thembisile Hani, Emakhazeni and Steve Tshwete have also been affected by heavy rains. The areas of Gert Sibande, Dr. Pixley Ka Isaka Seme also saw heavy rains.
Msibi also warned communities not to risk their lives crossing bridges and walking under power lines.
The public is warned against the circulation of false news that can cause panic and anxiety.
