Flooding in the northern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in South Africa has forced the famous Kruger National Park to suspend visits and evacuate some visitors and staff by helicopter.
At least 19 people are now believed to have died in recent weeks in South Africa due to floods caused by heavy rains.
Among those killed was a five-year-old boy in the town of Giyani, in Limpopo. President Cyril Ramaphosa met with the boy’s family to offer his condolences while visiting the region to assess the damage.
A red level 10 warning has been issued by the South African Weather Service, predicting more rain in the affected areas and warning communities to remain alert.
“If possible stay inside and off the roads,” it advises. “Never drive on a road covered in water. If the car stops, leave immediately and find higher ground.”
Residents are also advised to move their valuables to a “safe area above the expected flood level”, turn off their electricity at the source, and move animals to higher ground.
In recent days helicopters and the military have been deployed to rescue people in some of the worst affected areas.
Reuters news agency reported that flooding in southeastern Africa has become more frequent and severe as climate change makes storms in the nearby Indian Ocean stronger.