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The overflowing Mohlapitsi River in Ga-Mampa village, Limpopo.
A total of 11 people have died in the floods that have hit Limpopo from the 25th of December to date.
President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Tshakhuma in the Vhembe district and Mbaula in the Mopani district on Thursday to assess the extent of flood damage.
Premier Phophi Ramathuba says so far R4 billion is needed to repair infrastructure. The Limpopo was briefing the media on the flood disaster.
“We regret to inform you that we have lost lives in these floods; this is the number that includes the seven that happened during December and the two that have happened since the 1st of January, with the latest heartbreaking case involving a five-year-old child who could not be saved by his parents when they were fighting desperately for safety in the Mbaula village,” says Ramathuba.
“Roads have been swept away, bridges are no longer standing and communities are cut off. Water and electricity infrastructure have been severely damaged. Actually, it is our priority to make sure that working with the national government, electricity and water become prioritised and are restored. Schools have been destroyed, health facilities crippled and families are displaced,” adds Ramathuba.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePyh8kr_U_o
Meanwhile, the family of 20-year-old Lindelani Munyai, who was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded river in Thoyandou, Limpopo, hopes that he is still alive. Munyai, who resided in Chitawa Mafefera village, is believed to have been crossing the Mutale River with his father when the incident occurred.
Rescue teams have been deployed to the area and are continuing the search for him. Community members have gathered in large numbers to support the devastated family.
Munyai’s mother says the incident has left the family traumatised, but they are holding on to hope that he may still be found alive.
Ward Councillor Rolivhuwa Mmbengeni explains: “As the ward councillor, together with the community leaders and the leaders of the neighbouring village, we are trying our level best to help, to search all on the riverbanks, to rescue the boy. Since today, the boy has not been found, so we will continue. As you can see, the rescue team is on site; they were trying, by all means, to search. So, still now, we haven’t found anything, but we are hoping, maybe tomorrow, when they come back, maybe they will find him. But still, the community and the leaders will be searching.”
Limpopo Floods | Emergency officials remain on high alert:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAkxUATcIY8
