LIMPOPO – The Provincial Executive Committee will convene an urgent meeting today to assess the totality of the devastation caused by heavy rains across Limpopo.

Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba aims to submit comprehensive reports to national government to declare the rainfall a provincial disaster and unlock vital resources for recovery.

Over the past week, relentless rains have caused significant destruction to roads, schools, and homes, leaving several areas inaccessible.

With rivers such as the Olifants, Tambotie, Rietspruit, and Mokolo, among others flowing at full capacity, officials warn of worsening conditions as the rain is expected to continue until the weekend.

Ramathuba expressed deep concern over the crisis, particularly in the Waterberg and Vhembe districts, where five people died as a result.

“We prayed for rain, but the scale of damage is far beyond what we anticipated,” she said.

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Ramathuba has since established a multi-departmental team comprising of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Education, Health, Social Development, and Cooperative Governance to lead relief efforts.

In Lephalale, residents near the Tambotie River were urged to evacuate immediately as floodwaters rose rapidly.

Overflowing rivers and damaged roads have made power restoration difficult in some areas and local officials advised residents to delay travel and avoid crossing flooded roads and rivers.

In addition, the Department of Health evacuated the Witport Hospital due to flooding from the overflowing Palala Dam.

Patients were relocated to nearby clinics, including Shongoane, Seleka, and Abbotspoort, while Ellisras Hospital remains operational to handle emergencies.

Health spokesperson Neil Shikwambana confirmed that healthcare services are being adjusted to ensure no interruptions in critical care.

“The safety and well-being of our patients, staff, and the surrounding community are our top priority. The evacuation process is being carried out with the utmost care and urgency to ensure that all patients are transferred to a safe and secure environment,” he said.

Ramathuba urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities.

“We are committed to addressing the damage using all available resources and will continue providing updates as the situation develops,” she assured.

Limpopo’s government emphasised its dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of its communities as efforts to mitigate the disaster gain momentum.