Do not cross flooded rivers and bridges: Limpopo urges caution amid flooding deaths
Limpopo traffic authorities have urged motorists and pedestrians to avoid crossing flooded bridges and roads following drowning incidents reported in parts of the Mopani and Vhembe districts after heavy rainfall.
Image: Limpopo LEDET
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has urged motorists and pedestrians to avoid crossing flooded roads and low-lying bridges following reports of drowning incidents in parts of the Mopani and Vhembe districts.
MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, said the province was deeply concerned about the reported loss of lives linked to people attempting to cross flooded streams, rivers and bridges.
“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.
She called on communities to cooperate with traffic officers, law enforcement agencies and disaster management teams deployed across the province to monitor road conditions and assist where needed.
The department advised road users to avoid crossing flooded roads even if the water appears shallow, obey road closure signs and instructions from traffic officials, use alternative routes where possible, and reduce speed during wet and rainy conditions.
Motorists were also urged to remain vigilant around pedestrians and schoolchildren in flood-prone areas.
Traffic officers and disaster management teams remain on high alert as heavy rains continue to affect parts of the province.
The department extended condolences to families affected by the recent incidents and reiterated its call for responsible road use during adverse weather conditions.
Road users were encouraged to follow official weather alerts issued by the South African Weather Service and to report emergencies to local authorities.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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