At a Glance
- More than 200 people have died across Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe after weeks of torrential rain
- Over 200,000 people affected in Mozambique alone, with tens of thousands facing evacuation
- Heavy rain expected to continue through the weekend, worsening the crisis
Why it matters: The disaster is already one of the deadliest weather events in the region’s recent history and threatens more lives in the days ahead.
Southern Africa is reeling from catastrophic flooding that has killed more than 200 people and displaced hundreds of thousands across three countries, with no immediate end to the crisis in sight.
Mozambique Bears the Brunt
Mozambique has suffered the most severe impact, with more than 200,000 people affected since the rains began in late 2025. The country’s Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction confirmed that over 100 people have died due to the extreme weather conditions.
Tens of thousands of residents face mandatory evacuations as floodwaters continue to rise. The widespread destruction has overwhelmed local emergency services and infrastructure.
South Africa Mobilizes Military Response
South Africa has recorded at least 30 deaths from the flooding, prompting the government to deploy the army for rescue operations. Soldiers are using helicopters to reach stranded residents in inaccessible areas.
President Cyril Ramaphosa visited flood-affected areas on January 15, 2026, where he told reporters that the region received more than 15 inches of rain in a single week. During his visit, he observed that 36 houses “have just been wiped away from the face of the Earth.”
The famous Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves, evacuated approximately 600 people as floodwaters threatened both staff and visitors.
“I am still terrified that the rains will return as these were the worst rains I have seen in this area,” said Nkomazi resident Josephina Mashaba, speaking to the Associated Press.
Zimbabwe Faces Infrastructure Collapse
Zimbabwe’s Civil Protection Unit reported 70 fatalities since the beginning of 2026. The disaster has destroyed more than 1,000 homes across the country.
Critical infrastructure has suffered extensive damage. Roads and schools have been particularly hard hit, with many rendered completely unusable by the floodwaters.
Weather Pattern Explained
The persistent rainfall stems from a slow-moving low-pressure system hovering over the region. This weather pattern continuously draws in moisture, creating the intense downpours that have lasted for weeks.
The Guardian reports that this system shows no signs of moving on quickly, with more heavy rain expected throughout the upcoming weekend.
Human Impact
The flooding has created a humanitarian crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of people who have lost homes, livelihoods, and family members. Emergency services across all three countries are operating at maximum capacity.
Many residents, like Josephina Mashaba, express fear about what the coming days may bring as weather forecasts predict continued rainfall. The psychological toll compounds the physical destruction.
Regional Response
Each affected country has activated emergency response protocols. Military personnel, disaster management teams, and humanitarian organizations are coordinating rescue and relief efforts.
The scale of the disaster has prompted international attention, though the immediate focus remains on saving lives and providing shelter for displaced residents.
Key Takeaways
- Over 200 deaths confirmed across Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe
- More than 200,000 people affected in Mozambique alone
- South Africa deployed military helicopters for rescue operations
- Zimbabwe lost 1,000+ homes and critical infrastructure
- Heavy rains expected to continue, potentially worsening the crisis
The disaster represents one of the most severe weather-related crises southern Africa has faced in recent years, with the death toll likely to rise as rescue operations continue and the rains persist.
