N14 between Vryburg, Kuruman closed due to flooding

The N14 between Vryburg and Kuruman is still closed to traffic while water levels continue to rise on this important route. Motorists and truck drivers have been warned not to underestimate the dangerous conditions, as several vehicles have already become stuck in the floodwaters.

Col. Adéle Myburgh confirmed that the N14 has been officially closed to traffic since Thursday afternoon at 15:00 because parts of the road are completely flooded.

“The N14 road between Vryburg and Kuruman is currently closed due to dangerously high water levels. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use the N18 route (Vryburg to Kimberley via Taung) as an alternative.

“Please note that water levels have risen further since the time of earlier videos. There are sections of the road that are completely submerged and conditions remain extremely dangerous for any vehicle.”

Life threatening on flooded roads

Despite repeated and urgent warnings, this past weekend some road users still put themselves in danger by trying to cross flooded bridges. As a result, law enforcement officers and rescue teams had their hands full with motorists whose vehicles were stuck.

Although the N18 from Vryburg to Taung is open, large parts of the western Taung area are under water and local roads there are closed. Several bridges, including the one on the road between Taung and Reivilo, have already given way.

Communities cut off from outside world

The heavy rain over the long weekend not only damaged roads, but also isolated several towns in the province. There are concerns about the areas of Tamasikwa, Takaneng and Qho which are completely inaccessible because bridges are under water.

It is also reported that the Taung Dam is currently overflowing, which could further worsen the situation in surrounding villages such as Cokonyane, Modimong, Manthe and Kolong. Authorities and other government actors are still monitoring the situation and assisting motorists where possible.

Critical routes for freight traffic

The logistics sector is also hit hard by the impact of the floods. Important cargo routes connecting provinces are currently high-risk zones due to heavy rain, poor visibility and slippery road surfaces.

Authorities warn that localized flooding poses a serious threat, especially at low-water bridges and valleys where the water can rise within minutes. For truckers using these critical corridors to transport cargo, delays and detours are now inevitable.

According to Myburgh, it is unclear when the N14 road between Vryburg and Kuruman will be opened to traffic again.

“It is difficult to say when the road will be safe – it depends on the water levels. We will release information again as soon as the road is safe.”