Mpumalanga flooding: Ramaphosa to assess the damage estimated at R2bn

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to visit the flood-stricken Mpumalanga province on Monday to assess the extent of damage after heavy rains resulted in widespread flooding.

At least 20 people died in the floods and more than 1,500 homes were damaged, leaving thousands of families destitute.

A number of roads and bridges were also affected, and preliminary assessments set the damage at around R2 billion.

The president is expected to begin his tour of the devastation in Mjejana, in the Nkomazi Local Municipality, where a number of houses were affected.

It has been raining in Mpumalanga since the start of November last year, but the rains intensified this month.

While mop-up operations are underway, continued rainfall has hampered efforts.

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The government has declared a national disaster after severe weather in five provinces, including Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

Premier Mandla Ndlovu urged residents to steer clear of affected areas.

"One is one too many, so that is why we are making this call to the people of the province to avoid finding themselves in dangerous places, especially our rivers, which are flowing fast," Ndlovu said.

The president was expected to announce a way forward following the classification of the disaster.