SANParks has conducted further camp evacuations in the Kruger National Park (KNP) and suspended all day visits as weather forecasts predict further disruptive rainfall across the region.
Guests and staff were evacuated from Letaba Rest Camp as flood waters from the Letaba River swept through the camp on Thursday, January 15. Videos posted by SANParks show bungalows and vehicles submerged in the flowing water during evacuation efforts.
See the video below:
Additional footage posted by SANParks and visitors shows the complete submersion of bridges on the Crocodile, Olifants and Sabie rivers.
Day visits suspended
All day visits to KNP were suspended on Thursday to focus full attention on emergency response measures.
“SANParks is mindful of the current strain on resources by operational and emergency responses during this period of persistent rainfall. As such, the organisation would prefer to focus available resources on real emergencies and ensuring the safety of guests, staff and surrounding communities rather than avoidable incidents linked to non-essential travel within the park,” said SANParks Head of Communications JP Louw.
Phalaborwa Gate was the latest gate to be shut on Thursday following the progressive closure of other gates earlier in the the week. Only the Paul Kruger, Orpen, Numbi and Malelane gates were open at the time of publication.
Private lodges within the KNP and surrounding reserves have also been severely impacted by the flooding. Tourism Update has received reports that some reserves recorded up to 500mm of rainfall since January 9, forcing temporary closure and evacuation of dozens of camps and causing significant damage to access routes and roads.
On Thursday, aha Hotels and Lodges announced temporary closure of its Nkuhlu Tented Camp and Buffalo Rock Lodge in the south of the park along with Makalali Main Lodge and Makalali River Lodge in the Makalali Game Reserve.
“Due to damage to lodge infrastructure and surrounding access routes, the affected properties will remain closed to all arrivals until further notice. During this time, aha Hotels and Lodges, together with relevant technical and operational teams, will conduct comprehensive assessments, inspections and necessary remedial work to ensure safe reopening of each lodge,” the group said in a press statement.
Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport was still closed to all scheduled and charter flights on Thursday although Skukuza Airport, which operates Airlink flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town, remains open.
Worsening forecast
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 10 warning (its highest warning level) for further disruptive rain in the region on Friday, January 16.
Potential impacts highlighted by the SAWS include widespread flooding of roads and settlements, flash floods, damage to property, buildings, major roads and bridges, mudslides and rock slides and breakage of dam walls.
