Watch: Parts of Augrabies Falls National Park closed as water levels surge
Certain parts of the Augrabies Falls National Park have been closed due to a dramatic increase in water volumes.
The waterfall has reached an impressive flow rate of 3 991 cubic metres per second (m³/s) as the Orange River plunges over the 56m-high falls.
'Typically, the flow at the falls ranges between 30 and 50m³/s. The current surge is attributed to widespread rainfall across the country, resulting in increased water releases from both the Vaal and Gariep dams upstream,' SANParks spokesperson JP Louw said in a statement.
Due to the rising water levels, certain sections of the park have been temporarily closed to ensure visitor safety.
This includes the game viewing area and the picnic site. Only three of the park's viewing decks remain open.
'Despite these closures, the park remains open to visitors, and the falls are offering a spectacular and thunderous display that is expected to continue for several weeks.
'We encourage guests to take advantage of this rare natural phenomenon. The falls are truly a magnificent sight at these volumes,' Louw said.
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