Death toll rises to nine, almost 2,000 homes destroyed as Limpopo floods wreak havoc
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba confirmed on Friday that floods have killed nine people and left thousands of families homeless across the province.
Image: SA Government/ X
Nine people have died, including a five-year-old child, and close to 2,000 homes have been damaged after severe flooding hit Limpopo during a period of relentless rainfall this week.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba confirmed the extent of the disaster during a media briefing on Friday, following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to the province on Thursday to assess the damage.
“We gather here today under a dark cloud that has unleashed astonishing rains, unprecedented in their intensity, measuring up to 400 millimetres in mere days,” Ramathuba said.
“The devastation inflicted upon our communities, our infrastructure, and, tragically, the loss of lives cannot be overstated.
“As of today, we regret to inform you that we have lost nine lives to these floods, with the latest heartbreaking case involving a five-year-old child who could not be saved as their parents fought desperately for safety in Mbaula village.”
She said the severe weather, which began around December 25, 2025, in the Waterberg and Capricorn Districts, worsened last week, affecting Vhembe, Mopani, and Sekhukhune districts.
“Roads have been swept away, bridges are no longer standing, and communities are cut off from their economic lifelines and daily routines,” Ramathuba said.
National and provincial roads heavily damaged include the R527 (Hoedspruit), R40 (Maseke), R71 (Gravelotte–Phalaborwa), R36 (Oaks–Ofcolaco), R578 (Selwana), R526 (R40–Gravelotte), and R529 (Greater Letaba–Eiland). The R71 and R40 in the Phalaborwa area remain closed, and major portions of the R524 (Louis Trichardt–Punda Maria via Thohoyandou) have been destroyed.
Ramathuba said about R1.7 billion would be required for road repairs.
She added, “The sheer scale of the damage makes it impossible for the province and municipalities to respond alone. We have requested the assistance of the SANDF to restore access temporarily.”
She said over 1,600 homes had been damaged, many completely destroyed or submerged.
“Some remain submerged with water reaching alarming levels, jeopardising structural integrity,” Ramathuba said.
“Let us recognise the solidarity among our communities, where neighbours have opened their homes to those in need during this challenging time.”
She also said the many schools across the province have been affected by the heavy downpours.
“Schools have been destroyed; health facilities crippled, and families displaced, their homes reduced to memories,” Ramathuba said.
She said as of January 6, 2026, 31 schools have been damaged, while the reopening of about 1,400 schools has been delayed.
Health facilities in all five districts have also been affected.
These include Tswinga, De Hoop, Duvhuledza, and Tshipise clinics in Vhembe, and Elim Hospital, which has suffered roof leaks and interior damage.
Limpopo is reeling from catastrophic floods that have damaged roads, schools, and health facilities, leaving nine dead and thousands displaced.
Image: Supplied
Mopani has reported damage to seven hospitals and 19 clinics, and the Waterberg area has experienced storm damage at several hospitals.
According to her, the total estimated damage to health facilities stands at R7 million, with assessments ongoing.
Ramathuba said the flooding has damaged crops, farm roads, bridges, and storage facilities, particularly vegetable crops such as cabbage, spinach, butternut, and cucumber.
Libraries across the province have sustained roof damage affecting books, shelves, and computers, with losses estimated at R12 million.
She said the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has provided food parcels, while municipalities have supplied emergency shelters, blankets, and mattresses.
Ramathuba said the provincial treasury and local authorities are still assessing the financial toll, currently estimated at over R4 billion.
She called on communities to move to safer places.
“Sadly, the South African Weather Service projects that we may face further rainfall and additional damage. I implore our communities living in low-lying areas or near flooded rivers to seek safety and move to secure locations as necessary.”
“Together, we can overcome this calamity. We will rise stronger, united in our efforts to rebuild and restore hope,” she said.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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