South Africa has officially declared a national disaster following weeks of torrential rains and severe weather that have caused widespread flooding, claiming at least 30 lives and devastating infrastructure. The declaration enables a coordinated national response to the escalating crisis, which has also impacted neighboring countries.
The northern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga have borne the brunt of the disaster, recording the majority of fatalities. However, at least three other provinces have also been affected by the extreme weather conditions. The torrential downpours, which have persisted for weeks, have resulted in severe flooding across central and southern Mozambique, as well as northern South Africa. The cumulative death toll across South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe has surpassed 100 since the heavy rains began late last year.
The floods have caused extensive damage to homes, roads, and bridges. In Limpopo province alone, the premier reported approximately $240 million in damages, with numerous houses and buildings completely destroyed. The iconic Kruger National Park was forced to close its gates, necessitating the evacuation of over 300 tourists and staff from flooded camps to safer, higher ground. The park, a major wildlife reserve bordering Mozambique and Zimbabwe, suffered significant damage.
The severe weather is not confined to South Africa. Mozambique has been particularly hard-hit, with over 200,000 people affected and tens of thousands facing evacuation. The country’s Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction reported 103 deaths, though this figure includes various weather-related causes. Zimbabwe has also reported 70 deaths and over 1,000 destroyed homes. The flooding has extended to other southern African nations, including Madagascar, Malawi, and Zambia.
Rescue teams are actively engaged in search operations, including the recovery of four individuals, among them a 5-year-old boy, believed to have been swept away in Limpopo province. A government official from South Africa’s Ekurhuleni municipality is also missing after the vehicle he was traveling in was caught in floods in Mozambique. South Africa has deployed helicopters to assist Mozambique with rescue efforts as the situation remains critical.