SANDF deploys helicopters for urgent rescue amid Limpopo's severe flooding

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has deployed two helicopters to evacuate people stranded in Limpopo following severe flooding and rising water levels which claimed the life of a four-year-old child.

Heavy rains have devastated the province over the past two weeks. 

Search and rescue teams from the South African Air Force’s 17 and 19 squadrons responded to an emergency activation from the Air Force Command Post.

“To this end, three helicopters from bases in Pretoria and Hoedspruit in Limpopo were deployed to conduct rescue operations in flood-affected regions of the province,” the SANDF said.

The operation began on January 14, 2026, at 11pm and continued until January 15, 2026, at 2am, with crews risking severe weather to save people whose lives were in danger of drowning.

The teams were tasked with rescuing a family from Mbaula Village, outside Giyani. Residents reported that other people had already been rescued from rooftops and high-lying areas. One family member was rescued from a tree along the Olifants River, which was flooded and threatening nearby residents.

The SANDF said a local chief had also been rescued from the roof of his home. Crews were continuing to assist others trapped in trees, and those needing medical attention were being taken to Maphutha Hospital, near Phalaborwa.

An ORYX helicopter was dispatched to rescue Border Management Authority and South African Police Service members surrounded by water at the Phafuri Port of Entry. 

Meanwhile, an Agusta A109 helicopter hoisted 18 people from the flooded Khambaku Lodge outside Phalaborwa to safety.

Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu, expressed deep sadness following the province’s first weather-related death. 

He confirmed that a four-year-old child, trapped with his mother on a tree, was swept away before help could arrive.

“One death is too many. We are deeply saddened by this unwarranted loss of life. We urge communities to be extra vigilant as heavy rains continue to affect our province,” Makamu said.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a red Level 10 warning for Limpopo for 15 and January 16, 2026.

“This inclement weather could lead to continued heavy downpours over parts of Limpopo,” Makamu said. He warned that Ba-Phalaborwa, Chabane, Greater Giyani, Greater Letaba, Greater Tzaneen and Maruleng could be affected.

He said the warning also highlights the potential for widespread flooding of roads and settlements, displacement of communities, damage to property, loss of livelihoods and livestock, and severe disruption to transport and essential services such as water, electricity and schools.

“The provincial government is currently collating information on reported damage caused by the heavy rainfall. Municipalities have been mandated to lead this process through consolidated reports.”

“We are also considering applying for a Provincial State of Disaster declaration, so that adequate financial resources can be allocated to mitigate the impact of the heavy rains,” Makamu said.

He added that the combination of high rainfall over recent days and further heavy rainfall expected in the coming days meant the risk of widespread flooding remained critically high.

Makamu reiterated concern over the continued disregard for government precautionary measures aimed at preserving lives.

“Communities are urged to avoid crossing flooded rivers, bridges and streams, and to refrain from unnecessary travel, especially when it rains,” he said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, headed to Mbaula village on Thursday afternoon to assess the damage caused by the severe weather.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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