Devastating Floods Sweep Southern Africa: 100+ Dead, Hundreds of Thousands Displaced, Kruger Park Badly Damaged

Heavy seasonal rains and catastrophic flooding across parts of Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe have killed more than 100 people, displaced hundreds of thousands and inflicted tens of millions of dollars in damage on infrastructure and wildlife reserves.

People walk through floodwaters in Nkomazi, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Alfonso Nqunjana)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Towns Under Water

Central and southern Mozambique have been particularly hard hit. Authorities ordered evacuations in parts of Gaza province, where the provincial governor says more than 300,000 people have been displaced. The Mozambican government estimates that over 500,000 people across the country have been affected by the floods. In Gaza the provincial capital, Xai-Xai, and the agricultural town of Chokwe were submerged in places so severely that only rooflines are visible; Marracuene, north of Maputo, is surrounded by water and largely cut off from road access.

Children wade through floodwaters in a neighborhood in Maputo, Mozambique, on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Across the region, authorities report at least 30 deaths in South Africa, at least 70 in Zimbabwe, and 13 confirmed flood-related deaths in Mozambique over the past two weeks — though officials warn the toll may rise as search and rescue operations continue.

Vehicles lineup the flood-damaged N1 road in Maputo province road, Mozambique, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Kruger National Park Sustains Major Damage

South Africa's Kruger National Park — one of the continent’s premier wildlife reserves, spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometres — has suffered tens of millions of dollars in damage. Roads, bridges and accommodation for staff and tourists were washed away or destroyed, and parts of the park are isolated by floodwaters. Environment Minister Willie Aucamp said recovery may take years. No human deaths have been reported inside the park, but hundreds of tourists and staff were evacuated, some by helicopter.

This image made from video shows the scene after flooding in Tete Province, Mozambique, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Park officials say many animals move to higher ground during floods, but the full impact on wildlife, including critically endangered black rhinos, is not yet known.

Cross-Border Rescue Operations

The South African Air Force deployed helicopters to rescue people stranded in trees and on rooftops in the northern provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo. It also conducted cross-border missions into Mozambique, where it rescued nearly 500 people. Images released by the military show residents clinging to rooftops and small islands of dry land amid widespread inundation.

Thousands of homes and other buildings have been destroyed. South Africa has declared a national disaster, and authorities are monitoring the stability of a dam in the northeast that is under pressure from high water levels; engineers have been sent and precautionary evacuations ordered in case of a breach.

Humanitarian Concerns: Hunger, Disease, and Children at Risk

Humanitarian agencies warn of rising hunger and disease risks. Floods have wiped out crops that millions of small-scale farmers rely on, increasing food insecurity. Waterborne diseases, including cholera, are a common threat after major flooding. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says children are among the most vulnerable of the more than half a million people affected in Mozambique, with uncertain access to clean water, food and healthcare.

What Comes Next

Rescue and relief operations are ongoing across the three countries. Governments and aid groups have begun assessments to prioritize evacuations, emergency shelter, water and sanitation, and long-term reconstruction — including a special fund to help rebuild parts of Kruger National Park. Authorities continue to warn residents that the death toll and the scale of damage may increase as floodwaters recede and search efforts continue.