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WATCH: Letaba River in flood in the Kruger National Park

The recent heavy rains, which have swept through the eastern part of the country, have resulted in significant disruption within the KNP.

LIMPOPO – A video of the Letaba River flooding in the Kruger National Park (KNP) has gone viral, highlighting the impact of recent heavy rains in Limpopo.

Captured by visitors in the park, the footage shows water rushing over previously dry land to form a full river.

The video is drawing attention to the ongoing effects of the recent downpours that have led local government to submit comprehensive reports to national government to declare the rainfall a provincial disaster and unlock vital resources for recovery.

The recent heavy rains, which have swept through the eastern part of the country, have resulted in significant disruption within the KNP.

In an official statement, SANParks confirmed that some camps and gravel roads have been closed due to flooding, while main roads, such as those between Skukuza and Lower Sabie, suffered damage.

However, the park’s Roads Management Team responded swiftly to ensure the safety of users, including tourists.

Flooding in the park has been largely localized south of the Olifants River.

All gates remain open and operational, but waterflow forecasts indicate that the Sabie and Sand rivers will experience heavy flows for an extended period.

In the north, the Luvuvhu River has reached its highest level this season, prompting close monitoring of roads in the area.

Visitors are strongly advised to exercise caution when crossing low-level bridges and not to exit their vehicles to remove debris. Instead, they are urged to contact emergency personnel for assistance.

The KNP Disaster Management Team has been activated to address potential emergencies, and although no casualties or personal property damage have been reported, park officials emphasize vigilance.

Tourists with confirmed bookings are advised to check accessibility at their reserved camps or contact the KNP emergency call centre at 013 735 4325 for updates.

Visitors can also obtain the latest road condition information through the park’s website or by checking with their rest camp receptions.

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Raeesa Sempe

Raeesa Sempe is a Caxton Award-winning Digital Editor with nine years’ experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and started her journey as a community journalist for the Polokwane Review in 2015. She then became the online journalist for the Review in 2016 where she excelled in solidifying the Review’s digital footprint through Facebook lives, content creation and marketing campaigns. Raeesa then moved on to become the News Editor of the Bonus Review in 2019 and scooped up the Editorial Employee of the Year award in the same year. She is the current Digital Editor of the Polokwane Review-Observer, a position she takes pride in. Raeesa is married with one child and enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music and baking – when she has the time. “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon." – Tom Stoppard

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