Hundreds of tourists stranded as Kruger National Park floods

[Krystal Christine]

Several hundred tourists have been stranded by flood waters inside the Kruger National Park as torrential rains pound the region. The world renowned game reserve in South Africa - one of the largest in the world - has endured three days of heavy rainfall causing rivers to burst their banks and sever road connections. At least 12 camps are unreachable by road and 10 main entrance gates have been closed, according to officials.

 

 Flood-hit: Heavy rains and a river bursting its banks have caused significant damage South Africa National Parks spokesman, Reynold Thakuli, said the military, had been brought in to help with the evacuation. 'The situation is under control but has deteriorated severely,' he said.

'Several camps are now unreachable. The tourists and staff in each are all safe and being looked after, but are effectively stranded.' A river near the Kruger's main camp Skukuza has completely burst its banks, effectively dividing the camp in two and causing severe flooding.

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A doctor who works at Skukuza - which has become the centre of operations for the emergency services during the crisis - confirmed medics were flying emergency supplies to guests and workers in need.

Dr. Gary Pieser said: 'We are now totally stranded inside the camp – the only way to get in or out is via helicopter,' he added. Helicopter evacuations began after six holidaymakers were isolated by flooding during a game drive on Tuesday night. The group was airlifted to safety and treated by doctors at Skukuza. 'They had minor injuries and are now receiving medical attention,' said Mr. Thakuli.

 

 Safety fears: The famous Kruger National Park is currently closed due to the floods

Around 32 foreign tourists have been evacuated by helicopter, including 26 guests from the Tinga private lodge near Skukuza. Another of the park's private game lodges, Phinda, has been completely submerged by the flood. All organised game drives have been suspended and Mr Thakhuli has rushed to reassure holidaymakers that they will be well looked after. The reserve was currently around 50 percent occupied after the peak safari period over the Christmas break.

 

More than 1,500 people have been forced to flee their homes in the neighbouring Maputo and Gaza provinces of Mozambique as relentless flood waters devastate their land.  Nearby Hoedspruit weather station reported a 267mm rainfall in the 24 hour period between Tuesday and Wednesday, over five times the classification for heavy rain.  The downpour follows a prolonged spell of wet weather across South Africa's eastern provinces, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Wanda Mkhutshulwa, head of communications at South Africa National Parks, said: 'We gather from reports that the worst is over. We are in contact with Mpumalanga’s disaster management centre and we will receive military support if necessary.' But South Africa weather forecasters have advised that another storm will be approaching Mozambique near Madagascar next Thursday, which could result in yet more heavy rain.

 

 

 

 source: Mail Online