Heavy Downpours Causes Severe Flooding At Five Ports Of Entry

Heavy downpours continue to devastate parts of the country, with severe flooding disrupting operations at five ports of entry. The torrential rains have battered several regions, including KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), claiming 11 lives, destroying homes, and forcing road closures across the eThekwini Municipality.

Flooded Ports Disrupt Operations

Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato confirmed that flooding has severely impacted operations at Stockpoort, Makgobistad, Bray, Groblersbridge, and Pontdrift ports of entry.

Authorities have temporarily suspended operations at these key border crossings.

“At Stockpoort Port of Entry, rising waters have completely surrounded the port, submerging access corridors, the operational area, and the bridge beyond the port,” Masiapato stated. “BMA and law enforcement officials became stranded on an island where the Immigration Office is located, making movement impossible.

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Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Limpopo activated a helicopter rescue operation yesterday to evacuate affected employees and law enforcement officers for their safety.”

BMA Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Communication and Marketing Mmemme Mogotsi also reported that flooding in the Molopo River has forced the temporary closure of the Makgobistad Port of Entry. Bray and Groblersbridge ports have also suffered significant flooding, leading to a halt in operations.

Meanwhile, high water levels continue to affect Pontdrift Port of Entry, keeping it closed until further notice.

Authorities Issue Travel Advisory

Mogotsi confirmed that water levels at the Derdepoort Port of Entry have receded, allowing operations to resume.

“We advise travellers and commercial operators to use Ramatlabama, Kopfontein, Beitbridge, and Skilpadshek ports of entry as alternatives for cross-border movement,” Mogotsi said. “The BMA remains vigilant in monitoring weather conditions at all ports of entry and will provide timely updates as the situation develops.

We urge travellers and transporters to stay informed through official BMA communication channels.”

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Last month, the BMA also suspended operations at three ports of entry due to severe flooding. Authorities continue to assess the impact and will implement further measures to ensure public safety.

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