January 20, (THEWILL) — The South African government has declared a national disaster following weeks of heavy rainfall and flooding that have killed at least 30 people and caused widespread destruction in the northern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
The National Disaster Management Centre announced the declaration on Tuesday after floods washed away roads and bridges, damaged thousands of homes, and displaced many residents, disrupting livelihoods and essential services.
The flooding crisis is part of a wider regional emergency affecting southern Africa. Neighbouring Mozambique and Zimbabwe have also recorded severe flooding after prolonged rainfall, with more than 100 deaths reported across the three countries since the rains began late last year.
According to the Global Disaster Awareness and Coordination System (GDACS), heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next 24 hours, particularly in Mozambique, northeastern South Africa, and Zimbabwe, raising fears of further flooding and humanitarian challenges.
South African authorities said the national disaster declaration will allow for faster mobilisation of resources and enhanced coordination among federal, provincial, and local agencies to support affected communities, including the provision of emergency shelter, food, healthcare, and infrastructure repairs.
Residents in flood-prone areas have been urged to remain vigilant and comply with safety advisories, as emergency responders continue search-and-rescue operations and assess the full extent of damage across the impacted regions.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
