Image: SANParks
Kruger National Park has been hit by some of the worst flooding in decades. Days of heavy rain have submerged roads, bridges and several rest camps. SANParks has closed the park to day visitors to keep people safe. Staff and guests have been evacuated from multiple sites as water levels continue to rise. This is one of the most severe Kruger National Park floods in recent memory.
The most serious flooding has been recorded around the Letaba River. Water entered the Letaba Rest Camp and forced emergency evacuations. Other camps have also been affected, including Shingwedzi and Satara. Some staff living quarters have been flooded and teams have been moved to safe locations. Helicopters have been used to transport visitors. Furthermore, these floods in Kruger National Park have made many areas accessible only by air.
Flooding has cut off access between the northern and southern regions of the park. Several gates are shut, including Phalaborwa and Crocodile Bridge. Internal routes are unsafe because many low water bridges are under water. Park officials say that movement inside Kruger is very limited. They want visitors to avoid travel until conditions improve. As a result of the Kruger National Park floods, travel safety is a major concern.
The South African Weather Service has issued a red level ten warning. Heavy rain is expected to continue through the weekend. Parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga have already received rainfall equal to half their annual total in only a few days. More rain will cause further flooding and damage. Weather maps show rainfall of between 50 and 200 millimetres across areas that feed rivers inside Kruger. Consequently, the risk of new National Park floods in Kruger remains elevated as rainfall continues.
The flooding has caused damage in surrounding communities too. Homes, roads and bridges have been destroyed in parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The national government has confirmed several deaths linked to the storms. Rescue teams are helping people trapped by rising water. Unfortunately, the Kruger National Park floods are also impacting nearby villages.
Kruger remains closed to day visitors. Overnight guests already inside the park are being assisted with safe exits where possible. SANParks says safety is the top priority. They will keep updating the public as conditions change. In the aftermath of these floods, Kruger National Park is expected to require extended recovery time once river levels fall.
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