Severe storms and flooding have claimed over 100 lives across southern Africa, as torrential rains continue to batter the region. The extreme weather has displaced hundreds of thousands of people, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The hardest-hit areas include Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, where communities have been overwhelmed by rising floodwaters. In Mozambique, at least 66 people have died, with the city of Beira particularly impacted. Hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in shelters and higher ground.
“The situation is dire. We’ve never seen flooding this severe,” said Mozambican disaster management official, Luisa Meque. “Whole villages have been submerged, and families have lost everything.”
The situation is equally dire in Zimbabwe, where 82 fatalities have been reported. In the Chimanimani district, near the Mozambican border, entire villages have been washed away by raging rivers and mudslides. Rescue efforts have been hampered by damaged infrastructure and impassable roads.
“It’s a catastrophic situation. We’re seeing entire communities destroyed,” said Zimbabwean civil protection unit spokesperson, Mthokozisi Bhebhe. “The death toll is expected to rise as we reach more remote areas.”
South Africa has also been impacted, with at least 23 people killed in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Hundreds of homes have been damaged or destroyed, and thousands of residents have been displaced.
“The scale of this disaster is overwhelming,” said South African disaster management minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. “We’re working around the clock to provide relief and assist affected communities.”
Meteorologists warn that the intense rainfall is likely to continue in the coming days, with further flooding and mudslides expected. Humanitarian organisations have appealed for international aid to support the relief effort and provide essential supplies to the displaced populations.
“This is a regional crisis that requires a coordinated response,” said Red Cross spokesperson, Tatenda Chiware. “The people of southern Africa are in urgent need of our help and support.”
As the region grapples with the devastating aftermath of the floods, the focus now turns to recovery and rebuilding efforts. The road ahead will be long and challenging, but the resilience of the affected communities will be crucial in the months to come.
