Severe Flooding Forces Closure Of Three Border Posts

As heavy rains continue to cause devastation across the country, the Border Management Authority (BMA) suspended operations at three ports of entry due to severe flooding.

Torrential downpours have battered northern Gauteng, submerging roads and forcing families to evacuate their homes. In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), mudslides and structural collapses have claimed six lives and destroyed properties since Wednesday night.

Earlier this week, a tornado tore through parts of Tshwane, displacing over 15 families and leaving homes and businesses in ruins.

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Also, heavy rains have affected South Africa’s border crossings. BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato confirmed that authorities have temporarily suspended operations at Pont Drift, Makgobistad, and Derdepoort due to severe flooding.

These border posts, which connect South Africa with Botswana, have become unsafe after rising water levels in the Molopo River made operations impossible.

Moreso, BMA deputy assistant commissioner for communication and marketing, Mmemme Mogotsi, explained the decision.

“In consultation with Botswana authorities, we have suspended operations at these border posts as a precautionary measure. The flooding has made conditions unsafe and impractical for travel,” Mogotsi said.

She urged travellers and commercial operators to use Ramatlabama, Kopfontein, and Skilpadshek as alternative ports of entry.

“The BMA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as conditions improve. We advise the public to exercise caution and follow all official advisories,” she added.

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Similarly, authorities also suspended operations last month at Grobler’s Bridge Port of Entry after high water levels made it unsafe for travel. Masiapato warned that flooding had severely compromised the port’s safe and efficient functioning.

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) have forecast a drier weekend, predicting only a 30% chance of isolated showers and thundershowers in the eastern parts of the country on Saturday and Sunday.

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