Limpopo: The death toll from recent heavy rains and flooding in Limpopo and Mpumalanga has risen to 38, with the number of deaths reported in Limpopo increasing from 17 to 18, while six people remain missing in the province.
According to South African Government News Agency, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane provided an update during a media briefing, revealing that Mpumalanga has recorded 20 fatalities linked to the severe weather. The storms have caused widespread damage to homes and displaced hundreds of families across the two provinces.
Minister Simelane expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting affected communities during the recovery process. Reports indicate that a total of 1,942 houses have been damaged in Limpopo, while 1,808 houses were affected in Mpumalanga.
Adverse weather conditions in Limpopo have posed challenges to relief and recovery efforts. The Emergency Housing Unit has been dispatched to disaster-affected areas in both provinces, focusing on a verification process to assess the damage and inform emergency housing interventions.
Significant progress has been made despite difficult conditions. The government has begun assisting verified households and is at an advanced stage of supporting these families. The Department of Human Settlements is procuring Temporary Emergency Accommodation (TEA) for those in mass care and evacuation centres as part of the first phase of interventions.
The second phase will involve the provision of Temporary Residential Units (TRUs), with procurement underway for units in various areas including Mbaula, Bushbuckridge, Blouberg, and Makhado. Minister Simelane stated that interventions will continue as verification processes conclude, with further support from Limpopo and Mpumalanga MECs of Human Settlements.
The Minister also thanked community members, churches, and non-governmental organizations for their efforts in assisting affected families.