Severe weather claims two lives in Limpopo as homes are destroyed

Two people, including a 7-year-old boy, have died in Limpopo’s Waterberg district after severe weather battered parts of the province, while several homes were destroyed in the Greater Tzaneen municipality in the Mopani district.

The Limpopo Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs confirmed the fatalities as the province continues to experience heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions.

Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Basikopo Makamu expressed concern over the destruction caused by the recent storms.

“At least two people, including a seven-year-old boy, have lost their lives in the Waterberg District, while a number of homes have been destroyed in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality in the Mopani District,” Makamu said.

He said he had instructed departmental officials, working with disaster management centres in the worst-affected areas, to conduct full damage assessments to enable appropriate relief interventions.

“Our responsibility as government is to prevent any loss of life and to help restore the dignity of those who have been affected by heavy rains,” Makamu said.

He extended condolences to the families of the victims, describing the weather as devastating.

Makamu said a yellow level 4 warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) remains in place, with inclement weather expected to continue until Monday, December 29.

“There are indications of significant storms that may occur, resulting in heavy downpours leading to flooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas,” he said.

SAWS has also warned of excessive lightning, strong damaging winds and significant amounts of small hail over northern parts of Gauteng, large areas of Mpumalanga and the southern and central parts of Limpopo.

Makamu urged communities to remain vigilant and to closely monitor official daily weather updates. 

He advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and low-lying areas, secure homes and loose items, remain indoors where possible and exercise caution when travelling during thunderstorms.

He also warned parents and caregivers to keep children and other vulnerable people away from swollen rivers, streams and open water, and to promptly report weather-related emergencies to local disaster management centres.

“While families travel and gather to celebrate the festive season, safety must remain a priority. We urge everyone to act responsibly,” Makamu said.

He added that the department will continue working closely with other government agencies, including the Department of Social Development, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and emergency management services, to preserve lives and protect human dignity.

SAWS has warned that the severe weather could lead to flooding, road and bridge closures, damage to infrastructure and property, and losses affecting livelihoods and livestock across affected regions.

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