Name: Deadly floods sweep Southern Africa as authorities warn of more rain
Uploaded: 2026-01-16T15:44:29.007Z
Duration: 1 min 2 s
Description: Torrential rains and devastating floods have killed dozens of people across southern Africa, with authorities warning that more severe weather is still to come.

Torrential rains and devastating floods have killed dozens of people across southern Africa, with authorities warning that more severe weather is still to come.

Maputo

Torrential rains and widespread flooding have caused significant devastation across Southern Africa, resulting in dozens of fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure. Mozambique has reported at least 103 deaths, while Zimbabwe, South Africa, Madagascar, Malawi, and Zambia have also been severely affected, with deaths, injuries, and destruction of homes and public facilities.

Authorities have conducted emergency evacuations, including helicopter rescues in South Africa’s Karuga National Park, which remains inaccessible due to washed-out roads and bridges. Meteorological agencies warn that more severe weather is expected, with forecasts linking the ongoing flooding to the La Niña weather pattern.

Deadly floods sweep Southern Africa as authorities warn of more rain

Torrential rains and floods devastate southern Africa, killing dozens across the region, with authorities warning that more severe weather is still to come. Mozambique has been the hardest hit, where officials say at least 103 people have died. In neighbouring South Africa, at least 19 deaths have been recorded in northern provinces. Floodwaters forced the dramatic helicopter evacuation of tourists and staff from camps inside the Karuga National Park, which remains closed as washed out roads and bridges cut off access. Zimbabwe has been badly affected with 70 deaths, dozens injured and more than 1,000 homes destroyed since the start of the year. Schools, roads and bridges have collapsed under the pressure of rising waters. Flooding has spread beyond the mainland, impacting Madagascar, where 11 people have died, as well as Malawi and Zambia. Forecasters warn that more flooding is expected, likely linked to the La Niña weather pattern.

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