Large areas of north-eastern South Africa and neighbouring Mozambique have been inundated for several days due to exceptionally heavy rainfall. The deluge, driven by a slow-moving cut-off low pressure system, has triggered a flood warning raised to the highest level, washing away roads and forcing evacuations within Kruger National Park.
Some locations in South Africa recorded hundreds of millimeters of rain over the weekend. Graskop in Mpumalanga, for example, experienced 113mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period, while Phalaborwa recorded approximately 85mm. The rainfall has persisted across the region since the weekend, exacerbating the already challenging conditions. A fallen tree in Giyani, north-eastern South Africa, blocked a road, further disrupting transportation.
The cut-off low pressure system responsible for the extreme weather has remained anchored over the region, repeatedly drawing in moisture and triggering intense downpours, according to Ishani Mistry and Ollie Lewis. This meteorological phenomenon occurs when a low-pressure system becomes detached from the main flow of air in the upper atmosphere, causing it to stall and linger over a specific area.
Further heavy rainfall is expected on Friday and over the weekend. Maputo, Mozambique’s capital, could expect daily rainfall totals to exceed 200mm by the end of Friday, increasing the risk of widespread flooding and displacement. The ongoing situation poses significant challenges for infrastructure, agriculture, and public safety in the affected areas. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the severe weather.
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