Red Alert Issued As Flood Risk Persists

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that the Red Level 10 warning for disruptive rainfall remains in place for Friday across the Lowveld region of Mpumalanga, with communities in Nkomazi, Bushbuckridge and the City of Mbombela identified as the most affected areas.

According to SAWS, residents should expect on-and-off showers and periods of persistent rain throughout the day. The ongoing rainfall is attributed to tropical moisture affecting the Lowveld and the escarpment areas of Mpumalanga, creating conditions that significantly increase the risk of flooding.

SAWS has warned that the soil across much of the region is already saturated, heightening the likelihood of severe impacts. These include widespread flooding, fast-flowing streams and rivers, and potential danger to life. In some areas, flooding could lead to the displacement of communities and extensive damage to homes and other structures.

The weather service further cautioned that there is a strong possibility of damage to property, buildings and essential infrastructure, with many residents facing the risk of losing livelihoods. Road infrastructure is also vulnerable, raising concerns that some communities may become inaccessible or cut off for prolonged periods as a result of damaged bridges and washed-away roads.

Emergency services and local authorities are on high alert, and residents living in flood-prone areas have been urged to take extra precautions. SAWS has advised people to avoid crossing flooded roads and streams, to secure valuable belongings, and to relocate to safer areas if instructed to do so by authorities.

Members of the public are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and to stay informed by regularly monitoring official SAWS weather updates and warnings through trusted platforms, including radio, television and verified social media channels. Misinformation during severe weather events can place lives at risk, and residents are advised to rely only on official sources.

SAWS has reiterated that it will continue to closely monitor the evolving weather system and will issue further updates as conditions change. Communities in the affected areas are urged to take the warnings seriously and to prioritise safety as heavy rainfall continues across the Lowveld.