The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has urged motorists, pedestrians and all road users to exercise extreme caution when travelling, particularly near low-lying bridges and flooded roads, following flooding incidents reported in parts of the Mopani and Vhembe Districts.
In a statement on Sunday, the department said persistent heavy rainfall in the affected areas has resulted in dangerous road conditions, with reports of flooding-related incidents and loss of lives.
According to the department, distressing reports have been received of people losing their lives after attempting to cross flooded streams, rivers and bridges. The adverse weather conditions have rendered certain roads unsafe and significantly increased the risk of fatal accidents.
MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, expressed concern over the situation and appealed to road users to avoid taking unnecessary risks.
“We are deeply concerned about the loss of lives reported in Mopani and Vhembe. We urge motorists and pedestrians to refrain from crossing flooded roads and low-lying bridges. No destination is worth a human life. Floodwaters are unpredictable and can easily sweep away both people and vehicles,” Mathye said.
The MEC also called on communities to cooperate with traffic officers, law enforcement agencies and disaster management teams that have been deployed across the province to monitor the situation and assist where necessary.
The department advised road users to avoid crossing flooded roads and low-lying bridges, even when water appears shallow, and to obey road closure signs as well as instructions from traffic officials.
Motorists are further encouraged to use alternative routes where available, reduce speed and maintain safe following distances during wet and rainy conditions. Special caution has been urged to ensure the safety of pedestrians and learners, particularly in flood-prone areas.
Traffic officers and disaster management teams remain on high alert and continue to monitor road conditions across the affected districts.
The department extended its sincere condolences to the families affected by the recent tragic incidents and reiterated its call for vigilance and responsible road use during adverse weather conditions.
Road users are encouraged to stay informed through official alerts from the South African Weather Service and to report emergencies to local authorities. – SAnews.gov.za
