GIYANI – Tragedy has struck the Mopani District in Limpopo after a four-year-old boy lost his life after being swept away by powerful floodwaters at the Mbaula River in Giyani. The heartbreaking incident is one of the devastating consequences of persistent heavy rains that have caused widespread flooding across large parts of the province.
According to reports, the young child was with his mother near the riverbank when the water levels suddenly rose. The river’s strong current became uncontrollable, overwhelming both mother and child. Despite her desperate attempts to hold onto her son, the force of the rushing water caused her to lose her grip, and the child was swept away. Emergency services and community members later confirmed the child’s death, leaving the local community in deep mourning.
The tragic loss comes amid escalating flood damage in the region. At least 36 houses have been swept away in the Mopani District as relentless rainfall continues to pound Limpopo. Entire families have been left homeless, with many forced to seek temporary shelter with relatives, community halls, or emergency facilities provided by local authorities.
Limpopo has experienced exceptionally high rainfall over the past few days, with more than 400 millimetres of rain recorded since Sunday. The downpours have affected several areas, particularly the Mopani, Vhembe and Sekhukhune districts. Rivers have burst their banks, low-lying areas have been submerged, and infrastructure such as roads and bridges has been severely damaged or rendered impassable.
Residents in affected communities have described scenes of destruction, with floodwaters sweeping through homes, destroying household belongings, and cutting off access to basic services. In some villages, families were forced to flee in the middle of the night as water levels rose rapidly, leaving them little time to salvage their possessions.
Provincial disaster management teams have been deployed to assess the extent of the damage and provide assistance to affected families. Relief efforts include the distribution of food parcels, blankets, and other essential items to displaced residents. Authorities have also urged communities living near rivers and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and to evacuate immediately if water levels continue to rise.
Limpopo government officials have expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased child and to all those affected by the floods. They have warned that more rainfall is expected in the coming days, increasing the risk of further flooding. Residents are being urged to avoid crossing flooded rivers and roads, as water currents remain extremely dangerous.
As communities begin the difficult process of recovery, the tragedy in Giyani serves as a painful reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters. With climate-related weather events becoming more frequent and severe, authorities have stressed the importance of disaster preparedness and early warning systems to help protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of life.
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