The South African Weather Service on Tuesday, 8 March, warned of heavy rain leading to localized flooding, possible in places over Mpumalanga, southern Limpopo and northern parts of Gauteng, as well as the extreme northeastern parts of the North West province.
These rains have come through, bringing relief to areas in dire need of water.
Kruger National Park on Monday, 7 March, announced it has opened up waterholes in some dry riverbeds in a bid to save vulnerable animals from the drought that has affected parts of the world renowned tourist destination.
Luckily, rains have fallen and some of the dry riverbeds are flowing again.
Lesley Nyawo for the Kruger National Park released a statement saying, “Following the recent rainfall in the park, some low water bridges are overflowing as a result.
“Motorists are requested to be on the lookout for animals such as tortoise crossing roads or drinking water from little puddles in the road.
“Guests are advised to use avoid using the low water bridge on the road H1-2 from Skukuza to the Skukuza Airport; the road H12 is recommended as an alternative to get to the Skukuza Airport.”
Heavy rains have also been reported in Clarens in the Free State, in Vryheid in KwaZulu-Natal and over Limpopo.
The rains may be linked to the new moon which will be visible in the South African skies on Wednesday night, 9 March. This new moon is also coinciding with a total eclipse, which is currently unfolding over Indonesia and the Pacific Ocean.
