Deadly Floods Ravage Southern Africa, Hundreds Feared Dead

In South Africa, the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga have been hit hardest. The military has deployed helicopters to rescue people stranded on rooftops and trees after their homes were submerged. President Cyril Ramaphosa, visiting the affected areas in Limpopo, reported nearly 400 millimeters of rain in less than a week. One district alone saw 36 homes completely destroyed, while over a thousand houses across the province were damaged.

In neighboring Zimbabwe, at least 70 people have died since the start of the year due to flooding. Over a thousand homes have been destroyed, with roads, bridges, and schools washed away.

Mozambique is facing the worst impact. Since late last year, severe rains have claimed 103 lives through flooding, lightning strikes, infrastructure collapse, and cholera outbreaks caused by contaminated water. The World Food Programme reports that more than 200,000 people have been affected, and over 70,000 hectares of farmland are submerged, threatening food security for vulnerable communities.

The U.S. Famine Early Warning Systems Network has indicated that at least seven countries in the region are experiencing or at risk of floods, likely linked to La Niña weather patterns. Even South Africa’s Kruger National Park has been affected, with around 600 tourists and staff evacuated.

Authorities continue to warn residents to stay alert as rescue and relief operations intensify