BUILDING BACK: When the rain would not stop, Hoedspruit rallied to rescue and rebuild
On Kruger National Park’s western border, Hoedspruit met January’s floods with helicopters, tractors and a remarkable show of neighbourliness. The emergency passed, the work of making the region whole again has not.
In the western boundary of Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit faced a relentless four-day downpour in January that saw 956mm of rain fall. Terry Baker, a volunteer with Hoedspruit Farm Watch, reported the alert level soaring to 10, signaling a major event. As the rain continued, the Blyde River rose to hazardous levels, overtopping a bridge that formed Hoedspruit's main supply route.
Farm Watch quickly enacted a barricade to protect vehicles and residents from the floodwaters. Unfortunately, two vehicles and a caravan were swept downstream, though their occupants were rescued. Meanwhile, the Olifants River threatened to breach its main bridge, with water levels nearing the deck. Despite these challenges, the response was swift and collaborative, with volunteers, authorities, and private resources working together to keep roads open and restore power.
However, permanent repairs to damaged infrastructure and strategic routes are still pending, highlighting the ongoing need for resilience in the Hoedspruit community.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
