Officials in South Africa evacuated guests and staff from parts of Kruger National Park on Thursday following extensive flooding caused by weeks of heavy rainfall. In the wider region, authorities have reported at least 19 fatalities related to the weather conditions since last month.
South African National Parks (SANParks), the organization that operates the reserve, confirmed it suspended visits and closed multiple entrance gates. Several rest camps, including Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge, and Biyamiti, were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
In a statement, SANParks said that rising river levels had submerged bridges and made numerous roads impassable within the park. The South African Air Force was deployed to assist with the evacuations, using helicopters to airlift some individuals who were cut off by the floodwaters.
The flooding has affected large areas of northern and eastern South Africa, particularly the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, where Kruger National Park is located.
The National Disaster Management Centre reported that the 19 deaths occurred in Mpumalanga province. The agency has declared a national state of disaster in response to the widespread impact of the floods, which it said have damaged homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges. The declaration allows for a coordinated response from national government entities and resources.
SANParks advised prospective visitors to check for updates before traveling to the park and to consider postponing their trips until conditions improve and damage can be assessed.
