President Ramaphosa declares Limpopo flood a real catastrophe

President Cyril Ramaphosa has characterised the devastating floods affecting Limpopo as a 'real catastrophe', reflecting the widespread destruction and tragic loss of life caused by the torrential rain that began earlier this week. The heavy downpours have already claimed nine lives and left many more families in dire straits.

On Thursday, Ramaphosa surveyed the aftermath of the floods, visiting the severely affected regions, including the Vhembe and Mopani Districts. His observations confirmed the scale of the disaster: “We have seen the catastrophic damage that has been caused in Limpopo... The flooding has wiped away homes, and countless residents have lost all their possessions,” he acknowledged, visibly shaken by the destruction he witnessed.

Reports indicate that Giyani has received an astonishing 400mm of rainfall since Sunday alone, inundating homes and infrastructure. “In Mopani, it’s even worse; there are 36 houses that have just been wiped away from the face of the earth. Everything is gone – the roofs, the walls, the fences, everything,” Ramaphosa lamented, speaking of the grim reality facing the local communities.

Amid this heart-wrenching scene, Ramaphosa recalled the tragic death of a five-year-old child, a loss that underscored the stakes for those residing in the flood-prone areas where rivers have burst their banks. “The loss of life is always something that is really devastating and should be devastating to all of us,” he said, reflecting on the collective grief felt by the nation.

In response to the floods, many displaced residents have sought refuge in the homes of relatives or schools as initial shelters became overwhelmed. “The solidarity that we have seen here is quite amazing,” Ramaphosa remarked, commending the resilience and mutual support demonstrated by the affected communities.

However, he acknowledged that new strategies are essential to prevent future catastrophes: “We will need to look at engineering solutions so that when there are devastating floods like this, we should be able to cope.” His commitment to addressing structural vulnerabilities comes as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a red level 10 warning for Limpopo and Mpumalanga, highlighting the ongoing danger and potential for further flooding.

President Ramaphosa's visit was not without logistical challenges; he had to amend his travel plans based on concerns from his pilot regarding safe landing conditions, further illustrating the extent of the devastation affecting transport routes across the region.

As community leaders work to assess the full scope of the damage, Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba reported that many officials were unable to reach their designated areas due to overflowing rivers. More than 550 schools have been closed, significantly disrupting the education of countless learners.

“Parents should keep their children home, and we are developing a catch-up plan with the MEC for education,” she advised.