Dams across Limpopo have risen to full or above capacity, causing localised flooding as heavy rains across Limpopo and Mpumalanga continue, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) warned on Thursday.

While all major dams remain structurally sound, rivers and low-lying areas are experiencing high flows.

Klaserie dam is currently at 106.7% and Flag Boshielo dam at 105.6%, with spillover from upstream reservoirs adding pressure to the Olifants river system.

The rising river levels have already led to flooding in Mopani district and near Kruger National Park, forcing closures of bridges and crossings.

Nsami dam surged from water storage levels of 70% last week to 123% this week, spilling into downstream channels, while Modjadji dam’s water levels increased from 63% to 105%.

The Dap Naude dam’s water levels increased from 109% to 124%, reflecting extreme catchment response, and the Nzhelele, Luphephe, Nwanedzi, Vondo and Nandoni dams all exceeded 105%, adding pressure to the Vhembe catchments.

These sharp increases confirm the scale of inflows from persistent rainfall and explain the heightened flood risks downstream in Mopani and Vhembe districts, the DWS said.

The Tzaneen and Ebenezer dams also remain above 100%, sustaining high flows into the Letaba river system.

However, the water levels of the Middle Letaba dam, while recovering significantly from 8% to 62%, remain below full supply.

“Despite extreme conditions, the department’s real-time hydrological monitoring network has been central to providing real-time data and more than 70% of stations remained operational, allowing officials to track rising river levels, monitor flood waves and coordinate with disaster management teams in all affected areas and neighbouring countries through transboundary structures,” the department noted.

Disaster centres remain active, unsafe crossings have been closed and humanitarian assistance has been mobilised through disaster management structures.

“Residents are urged to avoid flooded roads, dam walls and spillways and to be cautious of displaced wildlife,” the DWS said.

“Communities are urged to follow official warnings and evacuation instructions, avoid flooded roads and crossings and remain alert to changing conditions.”

The DWS reassures the public that its dam infrastructure is safe and continuous monitoring is underway to protect communities and downstream systems.