LIMPOPO – Persistent heavy rainfall across parts of Limpopo has caused extensive damage to road infrastructure, particularly in the Mopani and Vhembe districts, prompting authorities to urge motorists and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution.

Roads severely damaged as rainfall totals climb

Rainfall data recorded on Tuesday morning at 08:00 showed that Tzaneen’s Aqua Park received 50mm of rain within 24 hours, pushing the January total to 300.8mm, well above the 78-year January average of 192mm. Additional readings recorded 52mm at Aqua Park Tzaneen and 49.6mm at a macadamia farm near the Tzaneen Dam.

Watch as Broederstroom River rages, running out of Dap Naude Dam. It is one of the main feeders into Ebenezer Dam.

📹: Gorgy Hillary pic.twitter.com/FD5p9CgUvv

— LetabaHerald (@HeraldLetaba) January 14, 2026

The sustained downpours have resulted in major dams exceeding capacity, raising concerns about possible downstream flooding. As of January 14, Tzaneen Dam stood at 108.64% capacity, while Ebenezer Dam reached 103.27%. Blyderivierspoort Dam was recorded at 106% on January 12, further heightening flood risks in downstream areas.

In Hoedspruit, rainfall figures ranged between 80mm and 100mm overnight, with 46mm recorded during the day on January 14 and a further 38mm falling overnight.

Watch aerial footage of the Blyde flow at 106% capacity.

📹: Tom van der Meulen pic.twitter.com/WeyRQ5hprg

— LetabaHerald (@HeraldLetaba) January 14, 2026

Mopani District Municipality spokesperson Odas Ngobeni said the most severe damage has been recorded on road infrastructure.

“The damage is mainly to the road infrastructure. The Department of Public Works has outlined in detail the damaged roads, particularly the D-roads that link communities,” Ngobeni said.

The Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure confirmed that persistent rainfall has left a trail of destruction on provincial roads, increasing the risk of surface deterioration, reduced visibility and hazardous driving conditions.

Spokesperson for Greater Tzaneen Municipality, Vutivi Makhubele, said “We have received over 500 claims from individuals who have suffered damage to their homes and infrastructure as a result of the recent windstorm and heavy rains. The GTM has also been severely affected, with electricity cables and transformers sustaining significant damage.

“Our teams are experiencing challenges in attending to electrical faults due to ongoing rainfall, widespread road damage, and general inaccessibility across much of the municipality. In addition, damages have been reported at several schools. We appeal to our residents for patience as we continue to address electrical faults and other reported damages.”

Level 9 warning, authorities urge extreme caution

Maruleng Local Municipality spokesperson Justice Shipalana warned that the situation is expected to worsen as heavy rainfall continues throughout the week.

“The municipality urges motorists, tourists, pedestrians and all residents to exercise extreme caution due to continuous disruptive rainfall experienced across the municipal area. The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 9 severe weather warning, predicting persistent heavy rainfall throughout the week,” Shipalana said.

He added that rainfall accumulations are expected to exceed normal seasonal levels within a short period, resulting in flooding of roads, damage to infrastructure and destruction of property in some areas.

Residents are advised to remain indoors where possible, avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary, and exercise caution near rivers, bridges and low-lying areas prone to flooding.

MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure Ernest Rachoene also appealed to motorists and pedestrians to prioritise safety.

“The heavy rainfall we are currently experiencing poses a serious risk to road users and communities at large. We urge all motorists to slow down, remain vigilant and exercise patience while travelling. Pedestrians are warned not to attempt to cross or get near flooded bridges,’ Rachoene said.

The MEC added that while some maintenance work has been disrupted by the weather, departmental teams remain on standby and will be deployed once conditions improve.

Motorists have been advised to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances, avoid flooded and waterlogged roads, watch out for potholes and adhere strictly to traffic regulations.