Limpopo and Mpumalanga face deadly floods, school closures, and electricity disruptions. Picture: Saps As Limpopo enters a fifth day of heavy rainfall and flooding, flights to and from Hoedspruit have resumed. On Wednesday,Airlink suspended all flights due to severe floodingthat left many roads impassable and restricted access to the airport, which serves communities in the area, the nearby Kruger National Park, and surrounding lodges and resorts.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployed two aircraft (helicopters) to a rescue operation to assist people stranded due to severe flooding. Floodwaters have risen rapidly in Limpopo following heavy rains in the province over the last two weeks. Airlink CEO de Villiers Engelbrecht apologised to travellers.
“We thank customers for their patience and apologise for the inconvenience caused by the disruption to our regular service. However, the health and safety of our customers, crew and aircraft is our top priority.” Meanwhile, police, the SANDF and rescue teams are desperately searching to locate a missing five-year-old boyin Limpopo. Officials are navigating through raging waters in Mbaula village, outside Giyani, to locate Siyanda Baloyi, who was reported missing on Thursday morning, 15 January 2026.
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