Limpopo Flood Deaths Rise To 19 After Body Recovered In Phalaborwa

The death toll linked to devastating floods in Limpopo has increased to 19 following the recovery of another body, as rescue teams continue searching for several missing people across the province.

Limpopo Disaster Management confirmed that the latest body was discovered in Phalaborwa on Wednesday, amid ongoing efforts to locate those still unaccounted for after days of severe weather.

Teenagers Swept Away as Searches Continue

Limpopo Disaster Management spokesperson Tsakani Baloyi said search and rescue operations remain active in multiple areas affected by heavy rainfall and flooding.

“Two boys aged 15 and 17 drowned while swimming at the Selati River at Mashishimale village, bringing the total number of 6 missing bodies due to heavy rains. Preliminary confirmation indicates that the body is for one of the two boys who were swept away from Mashishimale on Monday, 19 January 2026,” Baloyi said.

She added that teams are still combing through some of the hardest-hit areas.

“Meanwhile, search and rescue operations continue in the hardest-hit areas, including the Tshwinga in Vhembe District, Mbaula, and Ba-Phalaborwa in Mopani.”

Limpopo MEC Urges Caution as Communities Mourn

Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu, expressed deep sorrow following the latest recovery.

“We extend our condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families. We continue to strongly caution against engaging in risky behaviours such as swimming and crossing swollen rivers and streams during this period. We urge communities to avoid low-lying areas and unwarranted travelling during heavy rains.”

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Makamu also appealed to residents to take official warnings seriously to prevent further loss of life.

The MEC said provincial and district disaster management centres are coordinating relief efforts, including access to temporary shelter and basic supplies for families displaced by flooding.

“We continue to conduct oversight visits to the worst affected areas several areas, particularly in Mopani and Vhembe Districts, to have an eyewitness account of the situation on the ground.”

He further urged communities to comply with all precautionary measures issued by authorities, including weather warnings from the South African Weather Service (Saws).

Limpopo has recently been hit by severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms accompanied by hail, strong winds and widespread flooding. The areas most affected include Mopani, Vhembe, Waterberg and parts of Sekhukhune.

In addition to the rising death toll, the extreme weather has caused extensive damage to homes and public infrastructure such as roads, schools and health facilities, while also impacting the environment and agricultural activity.

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