Southern Africa is facing a major humanitarian crisis after weeks of relentless rain and devastating floods. On Sunday, South Africa declared a national disaster as flooding killed at least 30 people in provinces like Limpopo and Mpumalanga 🌧️🆘.
In Limpopo Province, 17 lives were lost, including two children, while Mpumalanga reported another 20 fatalities, according to Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Over 1,600 homes and 31 schools have been destroyed in Limpopo alone, and more than 1,000 homes in Mpumalanga have been badly damaged.
The floodwaters even forced a partial closure of Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves. Rising rivers cut off roads and campsites, leading to the evacuation of over 600 visitors. The South African National Defense Force sent helicopters to rescue people stranded in remote areas 🚁.
Neighboring Mozambique is also in crisis. An unusually severe rainy season has affected more than 200,000 people, with over 100 confirmed deaths. Entire neighbourhoods were submerged, displacing hundreds of thousands and leaving many perched on rooftops awaiting help 🤝.
The disaster isn’t confined to these two countries. Zimbabwe has recorded at least 70 deaths and the destruction of 1,000 homes since early January. Malawi, Zambia, and Madagascar are also reporting floods and weather disruptions.
Meteorologists attribute the widespread flooding to a slow-moving low-pressure system that brought repeated bouts of torrential rain. The Weather Channel warns that more heavy downpours are forecast in the coming days, heightening fears of further flooding and loss of life.
As relief efforts ramp up, communities and organisations across the globe are mobilising to support affected families. For young people in South and Southeast Asia, this crisis underscores the urgent need for climate resilience and humanitarian solidarity 🌍💪.
Reference(s):
South Africa declares national disaster as floods kill dozens
cgtn.com
