IN PHOTOS: Weather causes havoc for Mbombela and surrounds; level 5 rain warning issued

There is a lot of tropical moisture in circulation over the central and eastern parts of the country. In Mpumalanga and Limpopo the ground is already saturated as a result of the rain over the past few days.

“We are expecting between 50mm and 60mm from tomorrow evening to Tuesday morning,” according to the statement.

Flooding of roads and settlements, damage to property and infrastructure and major traffic disruption are expected. Deep water and fast-flowing streams will also endanger human lives.

Man is feared to have drowned after torrential rain in KaNyamazane

According to the Ward 19 councillor Dannison Mkhatshwa, the heavy downpour hit the area last night and continued throughout the morning.

A resident, who had been asleep in his bedroom, reportedly drowned after a section of his house, that was built next to a stream, was swept away by the strong current.

“I received a call at about 02:15 notifying me that many of the houses built along the stream had their foundations dislodged.

Also Read: WATCH: Heavy downpours sweep away large sections of road in Matsulu

“A resident, identified only as Sifiso, was swept away by the current and is believed to have drowned,” said Mkhatshwa.

He added that emergency rescue personnel had been deployed to recover the body. The ward councillor ascribed the tragedy to residents building too close to the 100-year floodline.

“Many of the affected houses were built barely five metres away from the stream.

“At this stage, the body has not yet been found. We are uncertain how many houses have been affected, ” he said.

A resident, who spoke to Lowvelder on condition of anonymity, said this is the second weather-related tragedy to occur in Gezane.

“In 2018 the area was struck by a severe hailstorm that blew the roofs off a number of homes. “Work started on repairing them, but the project seems to have come to a standstill.

“The affected residents have suffered property damage as a result of their exposed houses,” the source said.

Heavy rainfall in Kruger overnight

After the Kruger National Park (KNP) received a large amount of rainfall during the aftermath of Cyclone Eloise, the KNP has again experienced heavy rain overnight.

According to Phaahla, “Pafuri is currently cut off and tourists are advised to avoid going in that direction.

“Crocodile Bridge is flooded and visitors should use Malelane Gate as an alternative. Phabeni is also flooded and visitors should use Numbi or Paul Kruger Gate.”

He said most gravel roads and low-water bridges are being closed off and there should be no attempt to use those routes.

“Disaster management teams are still on high alert and the situation is being monitored constantly. There have not been reports of any casualties yet.

“Ongoing assessments have been hampered by the rising water and will resume once it subsides.”