“Emergency teams are on standby in the park monitoring the situation and will be activated if there is any danger.”
SANParks announced on Friday that it is on high alert as tropical storm Eloise hits Mozambique.
According to reports from the South African Weather Services, various parts of the Kruger National Park (KNP), particularly in the far north, will be affected by major rainfall and strong winds this weekend, specifically on Sunday, due to the tropical storm Eloise.
“Disaster teams in the park and external role-players are on high alert and monitoring its path as it approaches landfall, SANParks said in a statement.
Managing executive at the KNP, Gareth Coleman, said their scientists, in conjunction with the South African Weather Services, are closely monitoring developments and will advise on whether people 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 January 20, 2021.
“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,” he said.
SANParks advises people 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.
