Two people are unaccounted for in the Eastern Cape after being swept away by heavy rains that carried their bakkie away in Nqabarha, in the Mbhashe local municipality.
The bakkie was carrying six people, and four of them have already been rescued. A joint disaster management team consisting of the South African Police Service and divers are currently searching for the missing individuals.
The disaster teams are on high alert for any other incidents that may arise, and communities have been advised to avoid crossing flooded areas, overflowing rivers, and submerged bridges.
Due to the heavy rains around the country, evacuations have started at various facilities in the Kruger National Park (KNP).
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Oscar Mthimkhulu, the KNP Managing Executive, says that disaster management teams are on high alert and that evacuations are underway at Lower Sabi, Talamati, Crocodile Bridge, and Biyamiti.
Guests will not be able to travel to the affected camps, and they have been advised to amend their bookings through the central reservations number.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported so far, but the teams are closely monitoring the situation in the northern part of the park as rivers have started rising in various parts of Limpopo.
More rain is expected over the Kruger National Park.
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), heavy rains are being experienced over Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and the northeastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
SAWS forecaster Tokelo Chiloane says that the rain will start to subside in Gauteng from Sunday, and in the lowveld and escarpment of Limpopo and Mpumalanga on Wednesday.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has called for residents to remain indoors and be extra vigilant on the roads due to the heavy rains in the northern parts of the province. Disaster management teams have been dispatched to areas affected by the heavy rains, including eMfihlweni Royal Residence in Manguzi and the venue for the Umthayi Marula Festival in the uMkhanyakude district.
Dube-Ncube has appealed to communities to stay indoors and not risk their lives traveling to festivals or public events due to the extreme weather conditions.
