News24 | WATCH | Limpopo flooding: Over 600 guests and staff evacuated from Kruger

A flooded Letaba Rest Camp at the Kruger National Park.

• Severe flooding caused by persistent heavy rainfall has led to the evacuation of 631 people, including 67 children, from four rest camps in Kruger National Park.
• Key routes and gates, including the Phalaborwa Gate, have been closed, and day visitors are temporarily barred from entering the park.
• SANParks and government officials are prioritising safety, offering refunds and rescheduling for affected visitors.

Severe flooding in the Kruger National Park has prompted the evacuation of over 600 guests and staff from four rest camps as heavy rainfall continues to batter Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Rising river levels have cut off access to key areas, such as Skukuza, Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge, forcing SANParks to deploy helicopters for rescue operations on Thursday.

This as President Cyril Ramaphosa visited flood-stricken parts of Limpopo on Thursday to assess the extent of the damage and the response of government entities.

Overflows have been recorded in the Crocodile, Sabie, Letaba, Sand, Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers.

READ | Severe flooding in Kruger National Park forces closures, relocations

This has affected the Shingwedzi, Mopani, Oliphants and Letaba rest camps, where guests and staff were stranded as roads became inaccessible, leaving the camps cut off.

Evacuation operations took place on Thursday morning, with helicopters used to relocate those affected.

According to information provided by SANParks, 631 people were evacuated from the four camps, including 67 children.

SANParks also announced that it has taken the precautionary decision not to allow day visitors into the park until conditions improve.

“SANParks is mindful of the current strain on operational and emergency responses on resources during this period of persistent rainfall,” said SANParks spokesperson JP Louw.

Louw said the decision to restrict day visitor access was a preventative safety measure and would be reviewed continuously as weather and road conditions change.

He added that the Phalaborwa Gate would also close for at least 24 hours while the situation is monitored by emergency response teams.

“This means at the moment there is no access into the northern parts of the park,” he said.

“SANParks sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused by the persisting rainfall and appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the public during this time. The safety of all visitors and staff remains our highest priority.”

READ | Limpopo police searching for tractor driver swept away in flooded river

The South African Weather Service has issued a warning for disruptive rains and flooding in the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga due to a tropical weather system.

Forecasters predict another 100–200mm of accumulated rainfall over the next two days.

With the soil already saturated and rivers and dams overflowing, the weather service has warned of further flooding.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp has assured guests that no penalties will be charged for cancellations or rescheduling due to the flooding and that guests will be assisted with refunds or alternative bookings.

“This event underscores the growing challenges posed by climate variability and climate change,” Aucamp said.

Affected visitors are advised to contact SANParks central reservations at 012 428 9111 for cancellations, rescheduling or refunds, and to monitor official SANParks updates regularly.

Meanwhile, over 1 040 schools in Limpopo remain closed and several major roads are closed due to flooding.

Education spokesperson Mike Maringa said the schools would remain closed until the situation improved.