South Africa has declared a national disaster after weeks of intense rains and flooding devastated parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, killing more than 30 people and destroying homes. Floodwaters have also swamped large areas of Mozambique, where at least eight deaths have been reported and over 173,000 people affected. Rescue teams continue search-and-rescue and evacuation efforts; Kruger National Park has partially reopened to day visitors. Officials warn the death toll may rise as crews reach isolated communities.
South Africa Declares National Disaster After Deadly Floods; Thousands Displaced in Mozambique
In Mozambique, rescue efforts were slow to reach survivors who sheltered on roofs and in trees (Amilton Neves)(Amilton Neves/AFP/AFP)
South Africa on Sunday formally declared a national disaster after weeks of heavy rains and storms battered large swaths of the country, destroying homes and killing dozens. Authorities said more than 30 people have died in the northeastern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, while thousands have been displaced across the border in neighbouring Mozambique.
Rivers burst their banks in both countries, swallowing neighbourhoods and sweeping away vehicles. In Mozambique, entire communities were inundated and rescue teams struggled to reach people stranded on roofs and in trees. The Mozambican government reported more than 173,000 people affected by the flooding as of Friday; at least eight people have died there since December 21, with officials warning the toll could rise as searches continue.
"I classify the disaster as a national disaster," Elias Sithole, head of South Africa's National Disaster Management Centre, said in a statement on Sunday.
Search, Rescue and Evacuations
Rescue crews continued to search for survivors and recover bodies over the weekend. South African teams were also dispatched to southern Mozambique after a vehicle carrying five members of a South African mayoral delegation was swept away by floodwaters in Chokwe, about 200 kilometres (124 miles) north of Maputo.
In South Africa, the famed Kruger National Park was forced to close and guests were evacuated on Thursday. Park authorities later announced that day visitation would resume, while urging visitors to exercise caution as recovery operations continue.
Human Stories: A Birth Amid Floods
Among the personal emergencies, residents in Gaza province north of Maputo reported that a woman delivered a baby on a roof while the family awaited rescue. "We've been here for 4 days. My nephew was born yesterday around 11 PM (2100 GMT), and we still haven't had any rescue or assistance for the baby and mother," Chauna Macuacua told AFP.
Civil society groups and local officials warned that many communities remain cut off and that casualty figures are likely to increase as rescuers reach more remote areas.
Outlook and Response
Authorities in both countries have mobilised emergency services and humanitarian aid to assist displaced families and to restore critical infrastructure. Weather services caution that more heavy rainfall in the region could complicate relief operations and increase flood risks in affected areas.
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