More than 100 dead in torrential rains and floods across southern Africa

Torrential rains and widespread flooding across southern Africa have resulted in over 100 deaths. Mozambique's central and southern provinces are particularly affected, with over 200,000 people impacted and tens of thousands facing evacuation as of January 16, 2026. The severe weather has also impacted South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar, causing devastation and flooded yards in areas like Komatipoort and Nkomazi in South Africa. The flooding in Mozambique has been especially severe in areas like Tete Province and Maputo. Authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide assistance to those affected by the disaster.

Torrential rains in Southern Africa have caused widespread flooding, resulting in over 100 deaths across Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe as of January 17, 2026. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, with entire communities cut off due to overwhelmed infrastructure. South Africa has reported at least 30 deaths, with army helicopters deployed for rescue operations in the northern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Zimbabwe's disaster management agency reported at least 70 deaths and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Weather services have issued further alerts, raising concerns about additional flooding in the region.

Torrential rains and flooding across South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe have resulted in over 100 deaths. The flooding, caused by weeks of heavy rain, has prompted rescue efforts including army helicopter evacuations and the removal of tourists from game reserves. Mozambique has been the most severely impacted, with its Institute for Disaster Management reporting 103 deaths from weather-related causes since late last year and over 200,000 people affected. In South Africa, at least 30 deaths have been reported due to flooding in northern provinces. Weather services have warned of more rain, potentially exacerbating the destructive flooding in the region. The World Food Program highlights the crisis in Mozambique, a country with limited resources already struggling with the aftermath of previous cyclones.

Northeastern South Africa and Mozambique are experiencing severe flooding due to exceptionally heavy rainfall driven by a slow-moving cut-off low pressure system. Some areas have received hundreds of millimeters of rain, leading to widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and road closures. Kruger National Park has been closed, and evacuations have taken place. The South African weather service has issued its highest flood warning, with further heavy rainfall expected. The prolonged wet weather, with some regions receiving twice their average annual rainfall since October 2025, is disrupting agriculture and causing displacement of wildlife. Meanwhile, North America experienced record warmth in January, with temperatures 10-15C above normal in many areas of the US and Canada.

Due to severe flooding in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa, Kruger National Park has closed and is evacuating guests and staff. Torrential rains have caused widespread damage and resulted in at least 19 deaths in recent weeks, including a young child. The South African Weather Service has issued a red level 10 warning, forecasting more rain and urging residents to take precautions such as staying indoors and avoiding flooded roads. President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the affected region to assess the damage and offer condolences to the victims' families. Helicopters and the military have been deployed to assist in rescue efforts. Experts suggest that climate change is contributing to the increasing frequency and severity of flooding in southeastern Africa.