- Limpopo says nearly 440 roads are damaged by floods and fixing them will cost at least R1.7-billion.
- Clinics, schools and police stations are cut off as flood damage spreads across five districts.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba says recent floods have caused damage the province simply cannot handle on its own.
She said nearly 440 roads have been damaged and at least R1.7-billion is needed just to fix them. The total cost of damaged infrastructure could rise above R4-billion.
Ramathuba spoke ahead of the national disaster declaration announced on Saturday.
She said the floods have cut off communities from clinics, schools and police stations.
“The damage to our roads is beyond what the province and municipalities can manage,” she said. “We are cut off, and our economy and services are suffering.”
The floods hit large parts of the province, including Vhembe, Mopani, Sekhukhune, Waterberg and Capricorn.
So far, 11 deaths have been confirmed.
Some of the worst hit roads include the R71, R40, R527, R531 and R578. These roads connect towns to hospitals, schools and tourist areas like the Kruger National Park.
Many routes are now closed or completely washed away.
The National Disaster Management Centre has stepped in to help coordinate relief and repairs. This allows the government to move faster and bring in national resources.
Climate experts say floods like these are becoming more common. The World Wide Fund for Nature says global temperatures have already risen by 1.4 degrees.
South Africa is now feeling the impact through floods, fires and extreme weather.
WWF’s James Reeler warned that these disasters come with heavy human and economic costs. He said urgent action is needed to protect people and livelihoods.
Pictured above: The flood in Limpopo.
Image source: @ANCLimpopo
