SAWS warns of disruptive rainfall in Mpumalanga

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says the Red Level 10 warning for Friday’s disruptive rain remains in place for the Lowveld in Mpumalanga, especially over Nkomazi, Bushbuckridge, and the City of Mbombela. 

“On-and-off showers and periods of rain are still expected today. The persistent rainfall over the Lowveld and escarpment of Mpumalanga is due to the tropical moisture,” SAWS said on Friday.

With the soil being saturated, there is a high likelihood of severe impacts which can result in further widespread flooding, resulting in danger to life due to fast flowing streams, displacement of communities, widespread damage to settlements or structures. 

In addition, there could be widespread damage to property, buildings and loss of livelihoods, and communities may not be accessible or cut off for a prolonged period due to the damage of the road infrastructure.

The SAWS also warned that heavy rain and flooding in parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo are expected to gradually ease from Monday, with more stable conditions by Tuesday. Areas including Nkomazi, Bushbuckridge, Mbombela, Giyani, Tzaneen, Maruleng, Letaba, and Collins Chabane remain at high risk, with fast-flowing rivers, damaged roads, and displaced communities.