Recently, several countries in southern Africa have been severely affected by continuous heavy rainfall, leading to devastating flood disasters. A large number of homes and infrastructure have been destroyed, with the death toll in South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe exceeding 200. The meteorological department has issued warnings that the region can expect more rainfall in the coming days, potentially leading to even more destructive floods.
According to various media reports, the northern regions of South Africa have been experiencing unprecedented heavy rainfall since the end of last year, triggering severe flooding. Multiple rivers have overflowed, causing road closures, bridge damages, and over 1000 homes being damaged, leaving a large number of residents stranded.
Local officials reported on Friday (January 16) that the disaster has claimed at least 30 lives in the northern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The Kruger National Park, spanning both provinces, has also been affected by the floods, with vast areas submerged under swift floodwaters. Several entrances to the park have been closed off. The South African National Parks Authority stated that approximately 600 tourists and staff have been evacuated by helicopter from flooded campsites to designated safe zones within the park.
In Mozambique, the National Institute of Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD) reported that the unusually severe rainy season since the end of last year has resulted in 103 deaths in the country. The World Food Programme (WFP) noted that the central and southern regions are the hardest-hit areas, with over 200,000 people affected, thousands of homes damaged, and tens of thousands facing displacement.
Zimbabwe’s disaster management agency stated that incessant heavy rains since the beginning of the year have led to 70 fatalities, with over a thousand homes destroyed and critical infrastructure such as schools, roads, and bridges severely damaged.
Additionally, floods have also struck the island nation of Madagascar, as well as the landlocked countries of Malawi and Zambia along the African coast. Madagascar authorities reported that since late November last year, 11 individuals have lost their lives in the floods.