Giyani, South Africa - January 13, 2026 A video filmed on January 13, 2026, by X user Gift Vutomi Mathebula shows extensive flash flooding along a riverside area of Giyani during ongoing rain. The footage was captured from inside a moving vehicle, offering a drive-by view of widespread inundation. Muddy brown floodwaters have overflowed the riverbanks, submerging or collapsing structures believed to be homes or small buildings. Detached roofs and walls are seen floating among debris, with poles, fences, and trees protruding from the water. One building displaying a “Recce Flow” sign is almost completely engulfed. Nearby, objects including a red umbrella, green containers, and other wreckage drift slowly with the current. The wet, muddy road in the foreground, along with the visible side mirror and dashboard, highlights the scale of flooding under overcast and drizzly conditions. No people, vehicles, or rescue operations are visible. The caption accompanying the video states: “We will not blame the government for everything the people who built here knew all that a river passes through here…Situation in Giyani right now” The flooding follows persistent heavy rains affecting Limpopo Province since early January 2026. Conditions worsened on January 13 amid a Level 9 orange warning from the South African Weather Service for disruptive rainfall expected to cause widespread flooding. According to incident details, a moisture-rich air mass from the Indian Ocean fueled thunderstorms and intense rainfall, leading to overflowing rivers, flash floods, mudslides, rockfalls, and soil erosion in areas including Giyani, Tzaneen, Phalaborwa, and Thohoyandou. Additional Level 6 warnings were issued for broader parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Impacts included flooded homes, disrupted businesses, closed roads, and damage to infrastructure, with informal settlements near rivers especially exposed. The Mopani District Municipality activated a Joint Operations Committee, while Executive Mayor Pule Shayi urged vigilance and warned against crossing swollen rivers. No injuries or fatalities were reported in initial coverage.