South Africa’s Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has confirmed that the death toll from recent floods in the northeastern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga has risen to 38, as authorities step up emergency housing assistance for displaced communities.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Simelane said fatalities in Limpopo have increased from 17 to 18, while Mpumalanga has recorded 20 deaths. Six people remain missing in Limpopo as search and recovery operations continue.
The floods followed several days of intense rainfall that swept through low-lying and rural areas, destroying or damaging thousands of homes and forcing many families into evacuation centers.
According to the Department of Human Settlements, at least 1,942 houses have been damaged in Limpopo and 1,808 in Mpumalanga, with officials warning that the numbers could climb as on-the-ground assessments continue. Simelane noted that persistent severe weather and difficult terrain in parts of Limpopo are slowing verification and relief efforts.
She stressed that verifying affected households is central to the government’s response, as it determines the level of damage and the type of emergency housing support to be provided. While the verification process is still ongoing, assistance has already begun for households that have been confirmed as affected.
Government has launched a two-phase emergency housing plan. The first phase focuses on procuring Temporary Emergency Accommodation for families currently sheltering in mass care centers and evacuation sites. The second phase will involve the installation of Temporary Residential Units, with 39 units allocated to the Mbaula area, 73 to Bushbuckridge, five to Blouberg and 13 to Makhado.
Simelane said she will join the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Members of the Executive Council responsible for Human Settlements over the next two days to monitor the rollout and ensure aid reaches affected communities.
She extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and commended local communities and organizations for supporting residents who have lost homes and livelihoods as recovery efforts continue.
