Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety warns against crossing flooded bridges
As heavy rains continue across parts of Limpopo, transport authorities are urging road users to avoid flooded bridges after reports of drownings in Mopani and Vhembe.
Image: Kruger National Park / X
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has urged motorists, pedestrians and other road users to exercise extreme caution when travelling, particularly when crossing low-lying bridges and flooded roads, following reports of flooding incidents and loss of life in parts of the Mopani and Vhembe districts.
The department said it has received distressing reports of people drowning after attempting to cross flooded streams, rivers and bridges amid persistent heavy rainfall in affected areas. The weather conditions have rendered certain roads unsafe and significantly increased the risk of fatal accidents.
MEC for Transport and Community Safety Violet Mathye warned road users against 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,” said Mathye.
She also called on communities to cooperate with traffic officers, law enforcement agencies and disaster management teams deployed across the province.
The department advised road users to avoid crossing flooded low-lying bridges and roads even if the water appears shallow, to obey road closure signs and instructions from traffic officials, to use alternative routes where available, to reduce speed and maintain safe following distances during wet and rainy conditions, and 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 while providing assistance where required.
The department extended its condolences to families affected by the recent incidents and reiterated its call for vigilance and responsible road use during adverse weather conditions. Road users were encouraged to stay updated through official alerts from the South African Weather Service and to report emergencies to local authorities.