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 the evacuation of Kruger National Park.

Some locations in South Africa recorded hundreds of millimetres of rain over the weekend. Graskop in Mpumalanga experienced 113mm of rainfall in 24 hours, while Phalaborwa recorded approximately 85mm. The rain has continued across the region since the weekend, exacerbating the already critical situation.

The cut-off low pressure system, responsible for the intense downpours, has remained anchored over the region, repeatedly drawing in moisture. 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. The result is prolonged and intense precipitation.

Further heavy rainfall is expected on Friday and over the weekend. Maputo, Mozambique's capital, could see daily rainfall totals exceeding 200mm by the end of Friday, according to weather forecasts. The ongoing rainfall poses a significant threat to infrastructure, agriculture, and human lives.

The South African Weather Service has issued warnings for potential flooding and landslides in affected areas. Emergency services are working to evacuate residents from low-lying areas and provide assistance to those affected by the floods. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but initial reports indicate significant damage to roads, bridges, and homes. The long-term implications of this extreme weather event on the region's economy and environment remain to be seen.