[imagesource: Storm Report SA/Facebook]
On Sunday, Cyclone Eloise (since downgraded to Tropical Storm Eloise) hit Mozambique, spilling over into South Africa.
Several roads, bridges, and bushveld camps had to be shut down at Kruger National Park, with guests and staff evacuated from the north and Shingwedzi camp on Saturday just to be safe.
Park officials were on high alert yesterday, with heavy rains expected in the region, but they only experienced moderate to heavy rains overnight.
However, more rain was forecast for the Ehlanzeni District, which means more rain can be expected in the southern part of the park.
As News24 reported on Sunday, due to the storm, the road between Punda Maria and Shingwedzi in the park was underwater and closed (it remains closed).
Videos and images show the extent of the flooding in the park:
The Sabie river from the viewing deck at Kruger Park lodge. #Eloise pic.twitter.com/G3ArVKRrz6
— Zaniekepanie
(@izanne_85) January 25, 2021
Rain falling in Punda Maria camp. #TropicalCycloneEloise pic.twitter.com/Xw85uC7irs
— Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) January 23, 2021
Clouds moving in over northern Kruger.#TropicalCycloneEloise pic.twitter.com/rzSPAtIEtD
— Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) January 23, 2021
Pioneer Dam is overflowing.#TropicalCycloneEloise pic.twitter.com/cw5pCMK56Z
— Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) January 24, 2021
We thank God #CycloneEloise has been downgraded to a tropical storm. Good morning from the Kruger National Park. pic.twitter.com/ITSrnI71OJ
— Rented Erica Stan
(@Starlet_B) January 24, 2021
Punda Maria area. #TropicalCycloneEloise pic.twitter.com/1CO9xtTe5w
— Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) January 24, 2021
The spokesperson for the Limpopo Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Molebatsi Masedi, told IOL that while they had expected strong winds in Limpopo, none had occurred.
There is still extensive damage from flooding and heavy rains.
“The teams are doing all they can to respond to the incidents. We have also had a bridge washed away and the Department of Public works is going to create an alternative road.
“The damaged bridge was key to the transportation of goods as services. If an alternative is not found immediately, that creates a great problem for the communities,” Masedi said.
In the Waterberg District, roads in various areas such as Mopani, Boulders, Shipandani, Phalaborwa, Nxanatseni and Tsendze were not accessible due to flooding, Masedi said.
Warnings were sent out yesterday asking residents to stay indoors.
@SAWeatherServic continues to warn communities in Limpopo to stay safe indoors or high lying areas and avoid travels, particularly areas where bridges are flooded as rains fall on the north-eastern parts of the province. #DepressionEloise
Nthambeleni pic.twitter.com/eDMWU5frzm
— Limpopo Tourism Agency (@golimpopo) January 24, 2021
The cost of the damage has yet to be estimated.
Meanwhile, in KwaZulu-Natal, the MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sipho Hlomuka, said disaster management teams and other stakeholders from uMkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo, and Zululand districts have set an awareness drive in motion.
“Residents in these areas have been warned to avoid unnecessary trips which could see them stranded as a result of bridges and roads being flooded. Residents are also urged to abide by instructions from their local disaster management officials, especially in areas where evacuations might be needed,” he said.
Community halls and other public facilities have been placed on standby to house residents who might be displaced due to heavy rains.
