Mpumalanga flood damage estimates reach R2 billion as death toll rises to 19

Preliminary assessments in Mpumalanga indicate that flood-related damage to infrastructure is estimated at approximately R2 billion. The intermittent rainfall has wreaked havoc across the province, causing severe damage to schools, roads, bridges, and private property in numerous villages.

The human cost of the inclement weather has been significant. Since the onset of the rains in November last year, 19 people have lost their lives, and more than 1,200 households have been adversely affected.

Provincial officials have raised concerns regarding the state of major water bodies. Most of the province's primary dams and rivers are currently at full capacity, which poses a continuous risk of further flooding should the rains persist.

Freddy Ngobe, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), confirmed that affected families are receiving assistance.

He noted that the MEC is currently leading a multi-stakeholder team to evaluate the extent of the crisis, with a specific focus on the Nkomazi region.

"The MEC is leading a team of stakeholders, particularly in Nkomazi, where he’s visiting a number of facilities where this devastation has happened," Ngobe stated. "We're hopeful that once it's done and the rain subsides, we'll combine the report, which will go to the National Disaster Centre, where we're going to be considered for a possible intervention on resources and declaration of the disaster."

Ngobe further emphasised the scale of the financial impact: "Preliminary reports suggest that we're looking at just over two billion in terms of your damages, particularly on infrastructure."

The provincial government continues to monitor the situation as they prepare the formal submission for national disaster intervention.