UPDATE: Third drowning in the Lowveld confirmed
More flood warnings have been issued and people are advised to remain cautious of strong-flowing rivers and streams.
Widespread flooding as a result of Cyclone Eloise claimed its first life in the Lowveld on Sunday when a five-year-old boy was swept away while his mother tried to cross a river in Masoyi.
On Monday morning, the police’s diving unit, Off-Road Rescue Unit and Rescue SA recovered the body of a 40-year-old man who had disappeared under the water in a stretch of the Blyde River near Pilgrim’s Rest. His body was recovered at around 12:30 on Tuesday, 400 metres from where the incident had occurred.
ALSO READ: Cyclone Eloise claims young boy as first victim
Witnesses say the man, whose identity is still unknown, was trying to cross the river when he was swept away by a strong current.
Moments after the recovery, the teams were called out to another drowning near eManzana (Badplaas) when a one-year-old was dragged from his mother’s arms when she tried to cross the Komati River. The body had already been recovered by the community upon the rescue team’s arrival.
ALSO READ: Eloise uproots trees, floods streets in Mpumalanga
More flood warnings have been issued and people are advised to remain cautious strong-flowing rivers and streams.
This is a developing story and more information will be supplied as soon as it becomes available.
