19 dead in Mpumalanga since November as inclement weather persists

Authorities in Mpumalanga have confirmed that 19 people have died as a result of flooding incidents across the province since November.

The figures come as heavy rainfall continues to batter the province.

The latest fatality was reported this week after one person was swept away by the floods while attempting to cross a river near white river in the Msholosi settlement.

The Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs in the province says most of the fatalities were linked to drownings caused by overflowing rivers and damaged bridges.

Freddy Ngube, the department’s head of communications, says some bodies being discovered now are of people who went missing more than a month ago.

He says rescue efforts are difficult due to the unrelenting rain.

"The 18th person or deceased was a missing person for over a month until it was discovered last week. It is difficult because the rains are persistent. You have other areas which are inaccessible following the rains or bridges being damaged. Others, you can't even reach because you don't have electricity," Ngube added.