President Maṱamela Cyril Ramaphosa, Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Minister in the Presidency Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni went to inspect Mbaula village in the Mopani District, where over 38 houses were swept by floods, leaving a number of residents homeless.
The President started in Tshakhuma where a number of houses are still waterlogged.
There he assured residents that government has put resources in place to alleviate and rescue those in distress.
SAPS pilots and Search and Rescue teams, working alongside the SANDF and other emergency services, are working to assist residents stranded by severe flooding in parts of Limpopo.
These operations are ongoing as the situation remains dangerous and unpredictable.
Gift of the Givers, in partnership with the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM), rolled out an additional food relief distribution, to Muhlava, Petanenge, Mariveni, and Mulati , with further distributions planned for Zanghoma, Shipungu, Mulati, and Mafarana.
Ba Phalaborwa Municipality announced road closures due to flooding, of the R71 Lulekani Entrance, R71 Nguluve Lodge.
Some bridges collapsed, such as the Selati River bridge, the D3790 Makhushane bridge, the D3786 Mashishimale near Lejori Lifestyle.
The Majeje A bridge is overflowing.
Floods caused an electricity outage, affecting Ward 12, Combretum street, Extension 5, Kruger Spar, Military Base, Bushveld Terrace, Forever Resort, Eden Square, Reservoir, Foskor Moshate Offices, Aalwyn Street, Anna Botha, Mollengraf, Bronkhors streets and Schietocht.
Freda Nkondo, Mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality, said several houses were swept away, bridges collapsed, homes submerged in the district.
The Provincial Department of Education postponed the reopening of schools in areas affected by floods in Limpopo, to Monday, the 19th January 2026.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned rainy conditions may continue for the next 48 hours, over Maruleng and Ba Phalaborwa Municipality, Nkomazi Municipality, Mbombela, Bushbuckridge, Greater Giyani, Greater Tzaneen, Greater Letaba and Collins Chabane Municipalities.
Weather conditions are expected to improve from the 19th January 2026.
