When the rains won’t stop, lives are turned upside down. On Sunday (January 18, 2026), South Africa declared a national disaster after weeks of torrential rain that have swept across the region, killing dozens and displacing thousands.
Authorities report more than 200 people have died across Southern Africa, including about 30 in South Africa alone. In Limpopo Province, at least 17 people—including two children—lost their lives, while Mpumalanga saw another 20 flood-related deaths, according to Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa.😢
The deluge has destroyed over 1,600 homes and 31 schools in Limpopo and damaged more than 1,000 homes in Mpumalanga. Even Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves, faced partial closure, forcing over 600 visitors to evacuate as rising waters cut off roads and campsites. 🌍🐘
South Africa’s National Defense Force has deployed helicopters 🚁 to rescue residents stranded in remote areas. Meanwhile, rescue teams have crossed into southern Mozambique after a flood swept away a car carrying five members of a South African mayoral delegation near Chokwe, about 200 km north of Maputo.
Across the border, Mozambique’s humanitarian situation is worsening. Official figures from Friday showed over 173,000 people affected nationwide, though recent estimates exceed 200,000. Entire neighborhoods have been swallowed by floodwaters, leaving survivors stranded on rooftops and in trees. The National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction reports 103 deaths from this unusually severe rainy season.
The flooding extends beyond these two countries. In Zimbabwe, at least 70 deaths and over 1,000 destroyed homes have been recorded since early January. Other neighbors—Malawi, Zambia and Madagascar—have also reported flooding and weather-related disruptions.
Meteorologists say a slow-moving low-pressure system is responsible for repeated bouts of heavy rain. The Weather Channel warns that more downpours are forecast in the coming days for South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, raising fears of further floods and loss of life. Stay safe out there! 🌧️
Reference(s):
South Africa declares national disaster as floods kill dozens
cgtn.com
