Various parts of the Kruger National Park (KNP) particularly in the far north, will be affected by major rainfall and strong winds over the coming weekend, according to the South African Weather Services.
The warning is specifically for Sunday, January 24, due to Tropical Storm Eloise, SANParks said in a statement. Disaster teams in the park and external role-players are on high alert and monitoring its path as it approaches landfall.
The storm is expected to reach land in Mozambique on Saturday, January 23.
‘Our scientists, in conjunction with the South African Weather Services are closely monitoring developments and will advise on whether we need to evacuate camps in the affected areas or not. As a precautionary measure, we have already closed all gravel roads and some facilities in the Pafuri area after heavy rains which fell in the evening of 20 January 2021.’ said Managing Executive at the KNP, Gareth Coleman.
South African National Parks advises that those persons with bookings at flagged camps in the far north such as Sirheni, Shimuwini and Bateleur Bushveld Camps as well as Sable Hide will be accommodated at Letaba, Mopani, Shingwedzi and Punda Maria Rest Camps.
‘Emergency teams are on standby in the park, monitoring the situation and will be activated if there is any danger. We urge tourists to be extra cautious during this period and to call our emergency number for any assistance only on 076 801 9679 or 013 735 0197/4064,’ concluded Coleman.
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