Floodwaters claim two lives in Limpopo

LIMPOPO – “The province is currently in the rain season and residents are advised to avoid crossing flooded bridges and streams, to avoid a further loss of life.”

MEC for Social Development, Nkakareng Rakgoale on Friday confirmed that two people have lost their lives since the heavy downpours over the weekend. In the latest incident a woman from Lorraine village in Mopani district, was swept away by flood waters after she attempted to cross a low bridge on Thursday. A search operation led by the district’s Police Search and Rescue teams and local residents still continues.

Meanwhile the body of man, from Ga-Rapitsi village in Moletjie was found after he was swept away over the weekend.

Rakgoale added that the recent heavy rains and subsequent floods caused a trail of destruction throughout the Mopani and Vhembe districts. She said that over 100 families were affected. “Teams of social workers have been dispatched to the affected areas to provide psycho-social support, conduct assessments and provide relief in the form of food parcels and other basic amenities. Our social workers and community development practitioners are working jointly with officials from COGHSTA and district municipalities to ensure that they provide assistance to our people.”