Kruger Park Closes Crocodile Bridge As River Overflows from Ex Cyclone Eloise

The Kruger National Park has reported heavy rains overnight, with the Sabie River “flowing strongly”. KNP issued a warning alert that “Crocodile Bridge gate closed due to rivers overflowing”, but informed visitors that the Punda – Shingwedzi tar road is now accessible again.

The area is feeling the effects of ex Tropical Cyclone Eloise, which has been downgraded to a Tropical Depression. The cyclone hit Mozambique over the weekend, leaving several dead and causing extensive damage to property. The Kruger took proactive action over the last few days, evacuating visitors from bushveld camps in preparation for the storm.

More heavy rain and flooding is expected in Limpopo and Mpumalanga as Eloise moves through South Africa. Gauteng Weather reported that there has been flooding in Venda and Mbombela as the ex-cyclone moves further inland. (Photos supplied to their Twitter page were however from a video taken a couple of years ago.)

The SA Weather Service (SAWS) said on Monday morning that “#ExEloise (an overland depression) situated along the Limpopo and Botswana border. Its cloudy, windy and rainy over Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KZN and eastern North West province. #Eloise Heavy and/or persistent rain will result in flooding in northern KZN, eastern MP, SW LMP.”

WATCH Sabie River flowing strongly, Kruger National Park

There have been heavy rains overnight. The Sabie River is flowing strongly. pic.twitter.com/amwqdyQyvx

— Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) January 25, 2021

Sabie River from the viewing deck at Kruger Park lodge:

https://twitter.com/izanne_85/status/1353565434117763072

Kruger gate flow on the increase. pic.twitter.com/tBEYpHrXlf

— Kruger National Park (@SANParksKNP) January 25, 2021