The Border Management Authority (BMA) has suspended operations at the Pafuri and Giriyondo ports of entry to Mozambique due to flooding in the region.
Pafuri is in the far northern region of the Kruger National Park. Pafuri Gate, which provides access to Pafuri Port of Entry and is about 30km from the port, has also been closed due to high flood water levels.
According to the BMA, the Klein Letaba and Middlevlei rivers are overflowing, and the Letaba bridge is nearing full capacity due to the continued heavy inflow of water.
“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,” the BMA said.
“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.”
All BMA staff members, Port Management Committee members and operational vehicles stationed at the affected ports were safely evacuated as a precautionary measure.
“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,” the authority said.
