Floods and Damages

[Flutterby]

Scary pics of staff evacuations and floods at Shingwedzi!!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set= ... 770&type=1

[Flutterby]

In case you can't see FB here are some of the pics of Shingwedzi! So sad!

[Flutterby]

Floods update for Kruger and Mapungubwe
2013-01-22 09:34
News24

Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park have been hit by bad weather, with severe rain forcing closures of certain roads and campsites. SANParks has issued the latest update on the flooding.

Toruism Update reports that no other major incidents have been recorded by SANparks except those listed below:


Tshokwane: Low-level bridge to staff and ranger houses were reported to be overflowing, resulting in staff trapped at picnic site and others at houses, but their lives are not threated.

Olifants and Sweni trails: Eleven tourists who were trapped at these trails have been safely airlifted to Satara.

Tamboti: The camp is isolated with eight guests and staff, including the section ranger. The water levels are being constantly monitored and a rescue plan will be executed to airlift them to Satara.

Talamati, Biyamiti: The camps have been closed and guests moved to the safety of Satara and Berg en Daal.

Houtboschrand: Four patrol rangers and an SANDF unit are stuck in the area. They are in constant contact with the Section Ranger and will be assisted.

Muzanzene: Four guests and one staff member have been airlifted to safety.

Shingwedzi: All guests were evacuated to Mopani last night. 70 staff members are currently being evacuated.

Roads:
H1/1 link road between Skukuza and Pretoriuskop has been closed off due to the heavy current over the low-level bridge.
Crocodile Bridge Gate is overflowing and, as a result, the camp has been isolated and no cars are allowed through.


Lucy Nhlapo: Regional Manager Marula: KNP said that all visitors to the park must stick to tarred roads as all gravel roads have been closed for safety reasons.

North of KNP:

Nhlapo said the Northern part is still experiencing heavy downpours and the bush camps are still out of bounds. Visitors are urged to drive only on tarred roads.

Camps and facilities closed:

Sirheni,
Shimuwini,
Shingwedzi
Bateleur
Boulders
Tamboti
Talamati
Muzanzane
Biyamiti
Crocodile Bridge
Makhadzi Picnic Spot
All trails camps and Wilderness Safaris

Gates Closed:

Crocodile Bridge
Orpen
Punda Maria
Pafuri
Giriyondo Port of Entry
Pafuri Port of Entry

Roads Closed:
H1 – 2 Sand River & Sabie Low water bridge – alternatively motorists can use H12
H1/1 link road between Skukuza and Pretoriuskop has been closed off due to low level bridge overflowing.
H1-1 – Pretoriouskop to Malelane T-Junction
H10 – Lower Sabie to Tshokwane
H7 – Satara to Orpen
H1 – 9 – Pafuri entrance to Punda Maria
H15 – Punda Maria to Shingwedzi
H1 – 6 Letaba to Mopani
Nwaswitshaka low-level bridge.

“Generally our emergency plans are running accordingly and we’re constantly monitoring the developments, if anyone requires an update, our emergency 24-hour hotline is available on 013 735 4325. Please call to check on the conditions in the area you intend visiting,” said Nhlapo.

Mapungubwe National Park:

Bridge collapsed on R572 between Musina and Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site. Access to the park not possible.
R572 from Alldays to Musina is accessible up to the Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site.
80% rain predicated today for the area according to SA Weather Services.
Staff trapped in the following staff villages are being airlifted by the Limpopo

Emergency Medical Services (EMS):
Samaria
Limpopo Tented camp
Rossdrift

The following facilities are also affected:

Vhembe Trails camp
Limpopo Tented camp
Confluence
Tree top

All tourists have been safely evacuated and are accommodated in Leokwe Camp, which is currently not open to the public.

[PRWIN]

just woundering is Shingwedzi dona accomodation???

[nan]

oups, what a disaster

[Richprins]

This is bad!

But a good evacuation!

[PennyinSA]

There is no way that roads and causeways damaged a year ago and repaired on an extremely temporary basis can withstand the onslaught of rain we experienced!

[Richprins]

From Latest Sightings - Kruger

Croc Bridge

That's not Croc Bridge!

[Flutterby]

Thought so too but that's what it was labelled on OD's site.

[Flutterby]

Pics from News24:

Low-level bridge at Lower Sabie.



The R525 between Tshipise and Pafuri Gate.



The Crocodile River floods in Nelspruit.