An evacuation operation is under way in the Kruger National Park (KNP) to assist guests, who were staying at Lower Sabie, Talamati, Crocodile Bridge and Biyamiti camps, with available safe passage out of the Kruger National Park (KNP).

Meanwhile, a foreign tourist had to be rescued off a low water bridge yesterday after his vehicle got stuck in the water near Lower Sabie.

Sanparks says teams remain on high alert with rain scheduled to continue until Friday.

The decision to evacuate certain camps was made after heavy and continuous rainfall experienced in the park since February 8.

Prior to the evacuations, the park’s management gathered all the visitors at the affected camps and addressed as well as updated them on the current situation and developments regarding the floods.

Supplies were also delivered to ensure that everyone is taken care of.

Foreign tourist rescued

Although current flooding in the KNP have not resulted in any injuries or fatalities, a tourist was ‘rescued just in time’ according to Sanparks spokesperson Isaac Phaahla, after his car got stuck in the water on a bridge near Lower Sabie.

The KNP managing executive, Oscar Mthimkhulu, said, “We would like to once again urge guests not to attempt to cross any bridges that are overflowing as the dangers of being washed away remain high.

“Meanwhile, emergency teams are also closely monitoring the situation in the northern part of the park as rivers have also started rising in various parts of Limpopo,” says Mthimkhulu.

More rain expected – KNP says teams are ready

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says rain will continue today over the central and eastern parts of the country with disruptive rain leading to possible flooding over parts of Gauteng, northern KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

Disaster management teams in the KNP and external role players are on alert and monitoring the impact of the rainfall.

In its latest update, the park said all camps are open except for Lower Sabie, Biyamiti, Crocodile Bridge and Talamati – these are in the process of being evacuated.

All gates and ports of entry are open except for Crocodile Bridge.

All tarred roads are open except for the route directly from Lower Sabie to Skukuza, which remains inaccessible. The route between Satara and Skukuza has been restored and is operational.

“We request tourists to be extra cautious during this period and to call our emergency number only for any assistance on 076 801 9679 or 013 735 0197/4064.

“We will continue to update the public through mainstream as well as social media platforms in order to ensure guests are informed. We encourage those who have access to social media to also assist by posting valuable updates on the Sanparks – Kruger National Park Facebook group,” Mthimkhulu.