By Thapelo Molefe
Five lives have been lost and entire communities cut off, as relentless rains wreak havoc across Limpopo.
With widespread damage to schools, roads and homes, Premier Phophi Ramathuba has declared the situation a pressing priority, mobilising a multi-departmental response team to address the unfolding disaster.
The province has experienced severe rainfall over the past week, with weather forecasts predicting more rain until the weekend.
The flooding has rendered several areas inaccessible and caused extensive damage to infrastructure.
The most affected regions include the Waterberg and Vhembe districts, where fatalities and displacement have heightened the urgency for intervention.
“We had prayed for rain, but the resulting devastation was not what we anticipated,” said Ramathuba.
“The reports we have received in the past few days tell of a devastating impact that requires immediate and long-term interventions from various departments and the national government. We are saddened by the loss of five lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families.”
To address the crisis, the Premier has convened a multi-departmental team comprising the Disaster Management Centre, and the departments of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Education, Health, Social Development, and Cooperative Governance and Human Settlements.
The team has been tasked with conducting urgent assessments in the hardest-hit areas, beginning with Waterberg, repairing damaged roads and bridges to restore accessibility.
It has also been tasked with supporting displaced families by addressing emergency housing needs, and ensuring that schools are safe for learners as the new academic year commences.
Ramathuba emphasised the need for collaboration with national departments to quantify damages and secure additional resources.
“While this action is taking place, we will engage with national departments to assist in disaster-stricken areas. We must act swiftly to support our communities,” the premier said.
Ramathuba urged residents to stay alert and avoid crossing overflowing rivers or traveling in dangerous conditions.
“Your safety is our top priority. Please delay unnecessary travel and avoid high risk areas,” she advised.
The premier reassured residents that the government was committed to addressing the damages and restoring normalcy.
“We will use all available resources within the Department of Public Works to make immediate interventions on roads and bridges that have been swept away. The Department of Social Development is already working to support affected families.”
The Limpopo government has pledged to provide regular updates as assessments and recovery efforts continue.
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