President Ramaphosa's response to Limpopo flooding: A visit to affected areas
President Cyril Ramaphosa will this afternoon visit flood-stricken areas in Limpopo to assess the extent of the devastation and government response efforts as communities grapple with heavy rain and widespread flooding.
The visit comes amid severe weather that has seen persistent downpours, rivers burst their banks, and major roads cut off, forcing school closures in the Vhembe and Mopani districts and prompting emergency teams to prioritise rescue and relief operations.
“The president’s thoughts are with families who have lost loved ones, people who have been injured, and individuals, businesses and organisations who have lost property,” Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the president, said on Thursday afternoon.
He emphasised that logistical challenges and damaged infrastructure will constrain media coverage of the visit, but the Presidency will endeavour to gather and distribute footage to news outlets.
Magwenya urged the public and media to understand that road conditions in affected areas remain treacherous due to floodwaters and rescue operations under way.
Across Limpopo, the South African Weather Service has issued a Level 9 warning for heavy rain and flooding, with low-lying roads, bridges, and settlements under threat and transport severely disrupted.
Schools in some districts have been kept closed for safety reasons, while national roads have been temporarily shut to protect motorists.
Provincial government officials have acknowledged the serious challenges posed by the recent rainfall, deploying multidisciplinary teams to assist with rescue efforts and to restore essential services where possible. They have also urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety guidance as the situation evolves.
National and provincial disaster management centres continue to coordinate response measures, with support requested from neighbouring municipalities to ensure swift aid reaches the hardest-hit communities.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News