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PICS | Cyclone Eloise downgraded in severity, but floods hit KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo

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Three people walk through light flooding in Limpopo due to storm Eloise.
Three people walk through light flooding in Limpopo due to storm Eloise.
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  • Cyclone Eloise has been downgraded in severity.
  • But some flooding was seen in parts of Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Heavy rains that have hit some areas are expected to continue until Monday.


There have been reports of light flooding and debris causing roads to be closed in low-lying areas of Limpopo after heavy rains and strong winds due to tropical storm Eloise.

The local Tzaneen Voice reported on flooding in the Tshakuma area of Limpopo, as well as on the Mufongodi River overflowing.

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People cross a low-lying bridge over the Mufongodi River, Sane village in Limpopo.
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A bus partially submerged in water after flooding.
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A road blocked with debris.
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Flooding in a village in Limpopo.
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Flooding in Limpopo due to storm Eloise.
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Earlier on Sunday, the R36 in Limpopo was reportedly flooded at Khujwana Bridge outside Tzaneen after heavy and persistent rains.

It was also reported that strong winds had blown down trees, blocking the Sabie and Lydenburg roads, as well as the R71 in Magoebaskloof.

The Witness reported that heavy rains had hit Jozini, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday afternoon, but the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said it did not expect more severe weather conditions as tropical cyclone Eloise had been downgraded to a tropical depression.

"The cyclone has been downgraded to a tropical depression because as soon as it reaches the land it loses its energy and the wind speeds are also decreasing," SAWS forecaster Julius Mahlangu told The Witness.

"It is forecasted that some areas in the northern KZN, including Jozini, will experience disruptive heavy rains leading to flooding due to the tropical depression. Reports from disaster management teams indicate that Jozini is already having floods in those areas," he said.

Mahlangu said the eThekwini and uMgungundlovu district municipalities would not be affected by the system, but might experience some light rain.

"The three municipalities that can expect destruction from heavy rains are King Cetshwayo, Mkhanyakude and Zululand areas."

He said the heavy rains, which started on Sunday afternoon, were expected to start subsiding by Monday afternoon.

"By Monday evening we should see some easing in terms of the amount or rainfall," said Mahlangu.

- Compiled by Kerushun Pillay, additional reporting by The Witness

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