Images: Eumetsat (Click on images for larger view.)

Continues heavy rain has fallen in parts of the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces since yesterday and heavy rain is expected to continue until Thursday morning. The following rainfall figures (more than 35mm) were recorded today:

Hoedspruit – 218.4 mm
Enon Lumber – 179.1 mm
Letaba – 57.7 mm
Mieliekloof – 61.5 mm
New Agetha – 174.5 mm
Woodbush – 141.2 mm
Mariepskop – 436.4 mm
Hazeview – 149.6 mm
White River – 119.4 mm
Highlands – 86.9 mm
Elanshoogte – 53.8 mm
Lydenburg – 57.4 mm
Sabie – 145.3 mm
Malelane Airfield – 44.5 mm

Further heavy rain is expected to fall in areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo in the Lowveld area overnight. With heavy rainfall there is the risk of flooding, rockfalls and mudslides. Flooding has already been reported throughout the day with several bridges under water or washed away and property damaged. Another aspect that we should not loose track of is the increase in dam, river and ravine levels. Rising levels make it very dangerous to cross rivers, bridges and ravines. Avoid crossing any rivers, low lying bridges or ravines in Mpumalanga/Limpopo where water is flowing rapidly. If at all possible avoid all rivers, low lying bridges or ravines until further notice. Rockfalls has also been reported on the R37 Route, near the Sabie T-junction. Be on the lookout for rockfalls and mudslides. Roads in many areas are inaccessible and closed to traffic. Stay off all gravel roads.

More than 50 people had to be rescued today in area of the Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces. Search and rescue operations with helicopters were undertaken and people were airlifted from either islands or treetops, or the roofs of houses and evacuated to safety. Rescue operations will continue.

The latest satellite image indicate that the “tropical” storm is dissipating. Despite dissipation of the current weather in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, heavy falls is still possible overnight in areas.

Finally a word of advise: Water levels is still rising in areas where heavy rain has fallen today. Stay away from flooded areas, it may look safe but flood waters can rise rapidly. Do not walk near the river banks or on bridges even though you see no visual damage. If at all possible stay at home if your house is safe and a reasonable distance from flood water.

- SAWDOS