Residents of Middelburg and other parts of Mpumalanga woke up to a scene of chaos and destruction following severe flash floods that hit the region.
Mpumalanga flash floods wreak havoc: Here’s everything we know
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Heavy rains and hail led to significant flooding, causing widespread damage and blackouts in various areas.
Motorists have been advised to exercise caution while travelling, especially when approaching Cowen Ntuli and Koets Street, low-lying bridges, and other flooded areas.
The hail was so intense that it caused power outages in several localities, including Vaalbank, Mineralia, Middelburg South, Eastdene, and Aloe Ridge.
The situation was so dire that even a journalist from the Middelburg Observer found their house flooded due to the severe rainfall.
Images circulating on social media show the extent of the damage, with hail battering the town of Middelburg.
This unexpected weather event has disrupted the lives of many residents, who now face the daunting task of recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath of the floods.
The local municipality’s electrical department is aware of the power outages but has not provided a restoration timeline due to a backlog.
Coincidentally, the last time Mpumalanga saw similar torrential conditions was in February 2023. At the time, flash floods wreaked havoc across the region, claiming 11 lives and leaving four people missing.
The weather forecast for the region for the rest of the week suggests a mix of sunny and partly cloudy days, offering a brief respite from the heavy rains that have recently battered the area.
Temperatures are expected to range from highs of 27°C to lows of 15°C, providing some relief for the flood-affected communities as they work towards recovery.