JOHANNESBURG - Nineteen people, including a two-year-old, have died in Limpopo and Mpumalanga since the beginning of the summer season as heavy rains continue to batter the two provinces.
Mpumalanga has recorded 14 deaths, while the number of fatalities in Limpopo remains at five.
This was confirmed by Bongani Sithole, head of the national disaster management centre, on Wednesday.
Speaking to eNCA, Sithole said the national disaster management centre, together with other stakeholders in the affected areas, was working around the clock to reduce further loss of life.
On Monday, the South African Weather Service issued an Orange Level 9 warning for disruptive rain in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. This was up from Sunday’s Level 6 warning.
Sithole said the heavy rains had affected roads, leaving bridges overflowing and houses in informal settlements flooded and swept away.
"The extent of the damage is huge," he said.
Ten schools have been severely affected in Limpopo, leading to infrastructure being destroyed and classrooms flooded.
“As schools open on Wednesday, we are very worried. We’ve seen children being affected by this weather. When rivers are overflowing, you might have a situation where children cross the river and end up drowning," Sithole said.
He said they had activated structures in municipalities and provinces to tally figures in the affected areas.
“Our priority is to ensure that no person resides near the river banks. We are also making sure that we clean our drainage systems to avoid flooding.”
Meanwhile, in a statement on Tuesday, the Limpopo health department said the flooding had resulted in damaged infrastructure and restricted access to several healthcare facilities.
The hardest-hit districts are Mopani and Vhembe.
“Both districts have been affected by flooding, leading to operational challenges. The situation remains critical as overflowing rivers and swept-away bridges have made it difficult for healthcare workers and community members alike to reach facilities,” the department said.
It said the disruptions had also affected the ability of emergency medical services to respond to emergencies in some villages.
“Specific facilities that are currently partially or fully inaccessible due to erosion, flooding, and damaged road infrastructure include Tswinga, De Hoop, Duvhuledza, and Tshipise clinics.
"Roads leading to these facilities have been severely eroded, and several bridges in surrounding villages have been washed away, resulting in temporary closures and limited-service provision.”