Torrential rains and widespread flooding across southern Africa have resulted in over 100 fatalities and significant displacement in South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Rescue operations are ongoing, with warnings of further destructive rainfall.
Regional Impact
- Mozambique: Reported 103 deaths from an unusually severe rainy season since late last year, including fatalities from various causes like electrocution, drowning, and infrastructure collapse. Over 200,000 people have been affected, with thousands of homes damaged and many facing evacuation. The World Food Program noted extensive damage to over 70,000 hectares of crops, exacerbating food insecurity.
- South Africa: At least 30 people have died in floods in two northern provinces. The South African army deployed helicopters for rescues, including evacuating people from rooftops and trees in Limpopo province. President Cyril Ramaphosa observed areas where 36 houses were destroyed by approximately 400 millimeters of rain in less than a week. Over 1,000 houses were damaged across Limpopo, and Mpumalanga province also experienced damage to roads and bridges.
- Zimbabwe: The disaster management agency reported 70 deaths and over 1,000 destroyed homes due to heavy rains since the year began. Infrastructure such as schools, roads, and bridges have collapsed.
- Other Affected Nations: Flooding has also impacted Madagascar, Malawi, and Zambia. The U.S. Famine Early Warning System indicated flooding was reported or expected in at least seven southern African nations, potentially linked to the La Nina weather phenomenon.
Kruger National Park Evacuations
South Africa's renowned Kruger National Park evacuated approximately 600 tourists and staff members from camps to higher ground due to severe flooding. The park, covering significant areas of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, has closed to new visitors after several rivers overflowed their banks, cutting off parts of the park. No deaths or injuries were reported within the park.
Ongoing Situation
Weather services have issued warnings for additional rainfall, which could lead to more destructive flooding. The region has experienced a series of extreme weather events recently, including severe cyclones and droughts, contributing to ongoing food shortages.