Deadly floods have forced South Africa to close its iconic Kruger National Park to new visitors, following extreme rainfall that has claimed dozens of lives in the northeast of the country and neighboring Mozambique. This devastating situation has prompted the South African Weather Service to issue its highest weather warning level for the first time in nearly four years, as roads collapse and communities are left stranded.

The extreme weather event, characterized by days of heavy rains, has overwhelmed river systems, particularly in Mozambique, where the main north-south highway remains impassable. Preliminary data indicates that some areas in southern Mozambique received record rainfall in the second week of January even before the current low pressure system intensified. The European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre has forecast that parts of northeastern South Africa could experience over 500 millimeters (20 inches) of rain within a three-day period, exacerbating already critical flooding conditions.

Featured snippet paragraph: The answer to why Kruger National Park is closed is due to deadly floods caused by extreme rainfall. The South African Weather Service has issued its highest warning level, and authorities are evacuating stranded communities as rivers have burst their banks.

The South African Weather Service highlighted the grave risk of widespread flooding, stating that “These additional rainfall amounts are expected to fall over already saturated catchments, which will exacerbate existing widespread flooding.” This situation demands immediate attention and response from all relevant authorities.

In response to the crisis, the South African Air Force has deployed two helicopters to airlift individuals from communities trapped by the rising waters in the Limpopo province. Notably, 18 people were evacuated from a private lodge situated near the Kruger Park, underscoring the immediate danger faced by residents and tourists alike.

Authorities have confirmed that at least 19 people have tragically died in flooding across two South African provinces since December. In Mozambique, the government reported a grim toll of over three dozen deaths as of January 14th, painting a stark picture of the disaster’s severity.

The UK government has issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens in the affected regions to heed the guidance of local authorities and to reconsider their travel plans if necessary. This international warning reflects the widespread impact and concern generated by the flooding.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the Limpopo province on Thursday to personally assess the extent of the damage caused by the relentless rainfall. This visit signifies the government’s commitment to understanding and addressing the crisis.

The last time the South African Weather Service issued a red level 10 warning was in May 2022. That severe weather event resulted in over 400 fatalities in the KwaZulu-Natal province, serving as a somber reminder of the destructive potential of extreme weather.

This unprecedented flooding event in South Africa and Mozambique serves as a critical reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather phenomena. Understanding the causes and impacts of such events is crucial for future preparedness and mitigation strategies.

Experts are now analyzing the meteorological conditions that led to this catastrophic rainfall. The convergence of high rainfall amounts and saturated catchments creates a perilous situation, demanding a comprehensive response from national and international bodies.

The closure of Kruger National Park, a major tourist destination, will undoubtedly have economic repercussions. However, the immediate priority remains the safety and well-being of all individuals affected by the floods.

Future planning must incorporate enhanced early warning systems and robust disaster management protocols. Learning from past events, such as the 2022 KwaZulu-Natal floods, is essential to building resilience against future climate-related disasters.

This ongoing crisis highlights the interconnectedness of environmental challenges and their profound human impact. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and offering support where possible to aid in relief and recovery efforts.

The focus now shifts to rescue operations, providing essential aid to displaced populations, and beginning the long process of recovery and rebuilding in the affected areas.

Read Original

Keywords: how to prepare for floods, what is a weather warning level, Kruger Park vs other parks, best flood preparedness kit for South Africa, flood safety for beginners, South Africa floods news today, Kruger National Park update, best flood preparedness 2026, flood safety guide 2026, deadly floods