Rain related evacuation operation underway in Kruger National Park
South African National Parks (SANParks) says guests are being evacuated from various areas in the rain drenched Kruger National Park (KNP).
SANParks spokesperson for Ike Phaahla says officials will assist guests staying at the Lower Sabie, Talamati, Crocodile Bridge and Biyamiti to evacuate to higher and drier ground with available safe passage out of the park.
“According to reports from the South African Weather Services, various parts of the KNP will continue to receive rainfall as from Friday, 10 February until Friday, 17 February 2023. Disaster management teams in the Park and external role players are on alert and monitoring the impact of this rainfall.
“This is an evacuation route, and no guests will be able to travel through to those camps.”
Phaahla has also warned guests at the Park to stay away from any overflowing bridges.
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“We would like to once again urge guests not to attempt to cross any bridges that are overflowing as the dangers of being washed away remain high. Guests are further advised not to open or travel on any roads which have been closed and not to use gravel road.
"As a precautionary measure, the teams have closed gravel roads in the south as well as flagged camps (Talamati, Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge and Biyamiti) since the fall of heavy rains in the evening of 8 February 2023.”
No fatalities have been reported; however, there was an incident of a tourist whose vehicle got stuck in the water on one of the bridges.
Guests with bookings at the affected camps are urged to amend their dates.
