South Africa’s Human Settlements Minister, Thembi Simelane, says the death toll from recent floods in Limpopo and Mpumalanga has risen to 38, as government steps up emergency housing support for affected communities.
In a statement on Tuesday, Simelane said fatalities in Limpopo increased from 17 to 18, while Mpumalanga has recorded 20 deaths. Six people remain missing in Limpopo.
Days of heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding across the two provinces, destroying and damaging thousands of homes. According to the minister, 1,942 houses have been damaged in Limpopo and 1,808 in Mpumalanga, with the figures expected to rise as assessments continue.
Simelane warned that ongoing severe weather and difficult terrain, particularly in parts of Limpopo, are slowing verification and relief operations.
She said the verification of affected households is central to the government’s response, as it determines both the level of damage and the type of emergency housing assistance required. While the process is still under way, support has already begun for households that have been verified.
Government has rolled out a two-phase emergency housing plan. The first phase involves providing Temporary Emergency Accommodation for people currently housed in evacuation sites and mass care centres.
In the second phase, Temporary Residential Units will be deployed, with 39 units allocated to Mbaula, 73 to Bushbuckridge, five to Blouberg and 13 to Makhado.
Simelane said she, along with the Limpopo and Mpumalanga MECs for Human Settlements, will visit affected areas over the next two days to monitor the rollout and ensure assistance reaches communities in need. She also extended condolences to bereaved families and praised local communities and organisations supporting those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
