Deadly South Africa floods trigger Kruger Park evacuations

"Kruger National Park, South Africa's most famous wildlife reserve, temporarily shut its gates to visitors Thursday after weeks of torrential rainfall triggered deadly flooding in the country's Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Park officials said the closure was a precautionary measure until conditions improve, as forecasters predict heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours. Earlier in the day, staff members and guests were rescued by helicopter after one of the campsites flooded."

"The South African Weather Service issued its highest warning level for parts of the northern region, with 100 to 200 millimeters (about 4 to 8 inches) of rain expected over the next two days. The warning "is quite unprecedented," it said. Heavy rains began in December, causing rivers to burst their banks and destroying roads. At least 19 people have died in the neighboring provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, where Kruger is located, since last month."

"South Africa's largest national park, Kruger spans some 20,000 square kilometers (7,722 square miles), about the size of Israel, and borders Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The reserve is home to the so-called big five, lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. A park spokesperson said the animals are adaptable and can move to higher ground. Reynold Thakhuli, said precautionary measures were needed to protect guests."

Kruger National Park temporarily closed to visitors after weeks of torrential rainfall triggered deadly flooding in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Park officials initiated precautionary evacuations of bush and rustic camps and used helicopters to rescue staff and guests from flooded sites. The South African Weather Service issued its highest warning level for parts of the northern region, forecasting 100 to 200 millimeters of rain over two days. Rivers have burst banks and roads have been destroyed since heavy rains began in December, and at least 19 people have died in adjoining provinces. Search-and-rescue teams and military aircraft are assisting stranded residents, and animals can move to higher ground; reopening depends on improving conditions.

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