Limpopo: The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has mobilized two helicopters to assist in the evacuation of individuals trapped in Limpopo due to severe flooding and rising water levels across the province. President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the region, highlighting the disaster that has resulted in at least 19 fatalities and significant destruction to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. According to South African Government News Agency, the search and rescue teams from the South African Air Force's 17th and 19th Squadrons responded to an emergency directive from the Air Force Command Post. Their primary mission was to rescue a family from Mbaula village, situated outside Giyani in the Mopani District. The Department of Defence reported that the team rescued several individuals from rooftops and high-lying areas, including a family member clinging to a tree along the flooded Olifants River. During the operation, SANDF members rescued a local Chief from his roof. The provinces of Limpopo and Mpu malanga have been hit by heavy rainfall, leading to localized flooding, road disruptions, and damage to critical infrastructure. Helicopters from Pretoria and Hoedspruit bases were dispatched to conduct rescue operations in the affected regions. The rescue operation commenced on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 11 pm and continued until 2 am the following day. Despite challenging weather conditions, aircrews bravely rescued individuals at risk of drowning, while those needing medical attention were transported to Maphutha Hospital near Phalaborwa. An ORYX helicopter was also deployed to rescue members of the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) who were stranded at the Pafuri Port of Entry. Additionally, the AGUSTA (A109) helicopter hoisted 18 individuals to safety from the flooded Kambaku River Lodge near Phalaborwa. Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has called for heightened caution and the implementation of safety mea sures as heavy rainfall persists. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Red Level 10 weather alert, indicating further rainfall and an increased risk of flooding. President Ramaphosa described the damage witnessed during his visit as catastrophic, noting the devastation in Vheme District and Mopani District, where numerous homes were lost, and a five-year-old child tragically passed away.