Over 1,000 homes destroyed as heavy downpours devastate Mpumalanga districts

Inclement weather conditions have left a trail of devastation across parts of Mpumalanga as heavy downpours persist, following an Alert Level 10 warning issued by the South African Weather Service.

Since the start of the summer season late last year, the province has experienced severe rain, resulting in widespread localised flooding. To date, at least 19 people have been killed in weather-related incidents in the province alone.

IMPACT ON COMMUNITIES
Emergency services and disaster management teams remain on the ground assessing the extent of the damage. While the initial destruction began toward the end of 2025, heavy rains have continued unabated since the start of 2026.

The most severely affected areas include:

Nkangala District

Gert Sibande District

Ehlanzeni District

Over a thousand homes have been destroyed, leaving many residents homeless and destitute.

OFFICIAL RESPONSE
Cooperative Governance spokesperson, Fredy Ngobe, has issued a stern warning to residents to prioritise safety as the rains continue.

“What we are appealing to the communities is that they should ensure they adhere to our weather safety tips, alerts and our awareness campaigns, which we carry throughout, because most importantly, we want to save lives.”

Meanwhile, national government officials are scheduled to conduct oversight visits to the affected areas tomorrow to further evaluate the crisis and coordinate relief efforts.