At Least 100 Dead in Devastating Floods in South Africa

International Desk: PNN

Weeks of heavy rainfall in South Africa have resulted in at least 100 reported deaths. Rising river levels and collapsing infrastructure have forced the evacuation of thousands, with large-scale rescue operations underway. Authorities have warned of the possibility of even more destructive weather.

Rainfall in regions of South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe has caused widespread damage. Rivers and canals are unable to hold the excess water, isolating numerous towns and villages. Weather agencies have issued alerts, raising concerns of further flooding.

In South Africa’s Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, at least 30 deaths have been reported. Military helicopters have been used to rescue people trapped on rooftops and trees. A checkpoint near the Zimbabwean border was also surrounded by floodwaters, forcing the evacuation of security personnel.

President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the affected areas in Limpopo on Thursday. He stated that nearly 400 millimeters (16 inches) of rain had fallen in just one week. In one district, 36 houses were completely destroyed. Limpopo Premier Fofi Ramathuba said more than a thousand houses were damaged in the province.

Significant damage was also reported from neighboring Zimbabwe, where over 70 people have died since the start of the year, thousands of homes were destroyed, and schools, roads, and bridges collapsed.

Mozambique suffered the most. Its disaster management authorities reported 103 deaths since the end of last year due to flooding, lightning strikes, infrastructure collapses, and cholera outbreaks from contaminated water. Over 200,000 people have been affected nationwide, thousands of homes damaged, and thousands displaced. Additionally, over 70,000 hectares of crops were submerged, worsening food insecurity for poor farmers.

The U.S. FEMA Early Warning System reported that flooding has occurred or is expected in seven South African countries. This extreme rainfall may be influenced by the “La Niña” weather phenomenon, which typically brings heavy rainfall to South Africa.

Kruger National Park in South Africa was also affected. Nearly 600 tourists and staff were evacuated. Authorities stated no deaths or injuries were reported, but many areas remain inaccessible due to overflowing rivers.

In recent years, South Africa has faced a series of natural disasters, from deadly cyclones to severe droughts, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters and weak infrastructure.