Overview
- The National Disaster Management Centre classified the flooding across multiple provinces as a national disaster, with at least 30 fatalities reported and extensive damage to homes, roads and bridges.
- Kruger National Park will resume day visits on Monday, 19 January, through Paul Kruger, Numbi, Malelane and Phabeni gates, while the northern region remains closed and Crocodile Bridge Gate stays shut.
- SANParks launched a Kruger relief fund overseen by an independent auditor and appealed for corporate support to finance rebuilding of roads, bridges and tourism facilities.
- Authorities reported safe evacuations of guests and staff in the park with no injuries or deaths, as assessments confirmed substantial infrastructure damage including the Letaba high‑water bridge.
- The South African Weather Service issued impact-based alerts for continued showers and potential localised flooding in Limpopo, and visitors were urged to follow signage, avoid gravel roads and bring essential supplies due to low stocks in park shops.