Rising water levels pose a risk to staff, travelers, and infrastructure at the Pafuri and Giriyondo ports of entry with Mozambique, an official has said

South Africa's Border Management Authority (BMA) has temporarily suspended operations at the Pafuri and Giriyondo ports of entry after severe flooding hit the region, citing safety concerns for staff and travelers at the two crossings with Mozambique.

BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato confirmed the decision, citing the immediate threat posed by the rapidly rising water levels.

"Given that the Luvuvhu River runs adjacent to the Pafuri Port of Entry, the rapidly rising water levels have posed a potential safety risk to personnel, travellers, and infrastructure in the area," he said.

Flooding has affected the far northern region of the Kruger National Park, where the Pafuri Port of Entry is located.

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The Pafuri Gate, which is the main access point to the port, has been closed due to high water levels, approximately 30 kilometres from the Port of Entry.

The Giriyondo Port, located within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, also spans the border between South Africa and Mozambique, and remains impacted by the flooding.

According to reports from Kruger National Park rangers, water levels at the Luvuvhu River bridge had increased by half a metre since the previous day. In addition, the Klein Letaba and Middlevlei rivers are overflowing, and the Letaba bridge is nearing full capacity due to the continuous inflow of water.

BMA spokesperson Mmemme Mogotsi explained the extent of the flooding and its potential consequences. "Additional updates also confirmed that the Klein Letaba and Middlevlei rivers are currently overflowing, while the Letaba bridge is nearing full capacity due to the continued heavy inflow of water," she said.

The BMA's decision to suspend operations at both ports was made as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all involved.

"In the interest of ensuring the safety of all concerned, the Border Management Authority has taken the precautionary decision to suspend operations at the affected ports of entry until conditions improve," Mogotsi added.

As a safety measure, all BMA staff members, Port Management Committee members, and operational vehicles stationed at the affected ports were safely evacuated as a precautionary measure. 

Mogotsi confirmed that no injuries or damage to infrastructure had been reported. For those intending to access the region, the BMA has advised using the Punda Maria Gate as an alternative. Punda Maria Gate, located 65 kilometres from the Pafuri Port of Entry, remains open and accessible.

"The BMA continues to monitor the situation closely in collaboration with relevant authorities and park management officials... Operations will resume once it is deemed safe to do so," Mogotsi said. 

First published by IOL