South Africa warns of crocodiles, hippos in Limpopo residential areas after heavy rains
Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to exercise extreme caution, avoid flooded zones.
South African authorities have warned residents of Limpopo province to remain on high alert after dangerous wildlife, including crocodiles and hippos, were sighted in residential areas following days of heavy rainfall that caused rivers and dams to overflow.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) on Tuesday issued Orange Level 9 and Level 6 severe weather warnings for Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces, cautioning of possible flooding, road closures, mudslides, and rockfalls as heavy rains persist.
Provincial authorities said crocodiles were spotted in the residential areas of Makuleke and Mhinga, outside Malamulele. The reptiles are believed to have escaped from nearby rivers and dams swollen by the continuous downpours, state broadcaster SABC reports.
Environmental officials also warned that other stray wildlife, including hippos, could move into communities as water levels continue to rise, urging residents to avoid flooded areas and report sightings immediately.
Rescue efforts
The severe weather has also placed lives at risk. Authorities confirmed that a woman and her two children were trapped between the Mutale River and a nearby rivulet. Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by the conditions.
Godfrey Nefolovhodwe, a resident of Gwakwani village outside Thohoyandou, told SABC relentless rain and rising water levels have made it impossible for emergency teams to reach those trapped.
“It’s heavily raining, the water is everywhere as I’m speaking now. Three people are trapped inside the Mutale River and they are still alive,” he said. “They have been stuck there since yesterday. It’s cold, it’s raining, and the water seems to be rising every minute. Rescue teams were there, but they said they can’t help because the situation is very tense.”
Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to exercise extreme caution, avoid flooded zones, and comply with safety advisories as emergency services continue to monitor the situation and prepare for further weather-related incidents.