Flooding disrupts flights, schools and essential services in Limpopo

Mapaballo Borotho

Severe flooding in Limpopo has disrupted flights, schools and other essential services across several districts.
Airlink has suspended all flights to and from Hoedspruit, while communities near border areas remain stranded due to damaged roads and bridges.
Government departments are coordinating emergency interventions as calls grow for the province to be declared a national disaster area.

Heavy rainfall and flooding that have battered several districts in Limpopo have led to the suspension of flights, the disruption of schools, and interruptions to other essential services in the province.

Airlink has suspended all flights to and from Hoedspruit due to severe flooding, which has left several roads inaccessible and restricted access to the airport.

On Wednesday, the airline said flights will resume only once the government, the airport operator, and local authorities declare it safe to do so.

“Airlink is in constant liaison with local stakeholders, including SANParks and various private lodges in the area, to assist passengers who are stranded at those destinations.

Airlink is also alerting customers booked to fly to or from Hoedspruit for the remainder of this week,” said airline spokesperson Linden Birns.

Meanwhile, the African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association (AUBBTA) has called on the government to declare a national state of disaster due to the heavy rainfall and damage to road and bridge infrastructures, which have disrupted the transportation of food.

In a statement, the organisation said communities along the borders of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa, including Bennde in Mutale village, are stranded and surrounded by floodwaters.

It called for the deployment of SANDF helicopters, choppers, and divers to assist affected areas as a matter of urgency to prevent further damage and communication disruptions.

The first day of school was also affected by the severe flooding.

Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Basikopo Makamu, has since called an emergency meeting to coordinate stakeholders and address the impact of the floods.