South Africa declares national disaster due to floods: details and casualties
The South African government has officially declared a national disaster in response to the severe consequences of devastating floods and flash floods that have struck the northeastern regions of the country, specifically the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. This declaration comes as the region faces extreme weather conditions that have directly impacted infrastructure and the lives of residents, with the effects also extending to neighboring Mozambique.
Details of the national disaster declaration
In an official statement released on Sunday, Elias Sitholi, director of South Africa’s National Disaster Management Centre, confirmed the current situation had been classified as a “national disaster.” This legal and procedural step enables the government to release necessary financial resources, expedite relief efforts, and coordinate the response of various government agencies and humanitarian organizations. Such a mechanism is essential in South Africa for dealing with natural disasters that exceed the capacity of individual provinces to respond.
Human and material losses
The past few weeks have seen unprecedented torrential rains and powerful storms, resulting in the deaths of more than 30 people in South Africa alone. Flash floods have destroyed hundreds of homes and washed away roads and bridges in both rural and urban areas. Rescue teams are continuing their tireless efforts to search for survivors and recover bodies, amid fears that the death toll will rise as the process of identifying victims continues.
Regional impacts and tragedy in Mozambique
The disaster was not confined to South Africa; it extended to Mozambique, with which it shares borders and river systems. Rivers overflowed, inundating entire residential areas and forcing thousands to flee to shelters. Mozambican authorities have recorded at least eight deaths since late December, while many remain missing. In a scene that underscores the scale of the tragedy, a Mozambican woman was forced to give birth on the roof of her house after being trapped by floodwaters, while others sought refuge in trees and on rooftops to escape the torrents.
Climate context and its impact on tourism
These floods come amid a period of turbulent weather in southern Africa, where extreme weather events have become more frequent due to global climate change, resulting in heavier and more destructive rainy seasons. The vital tourism sector has been severely impacted, with the management of the world-famous Kruger National Park forced to close its gates and evacuate visitors last Thursday. Although the Parks Authority announced the resumption of daily visits as water levels began to recede, it stressed the need for extreme caution and adherence to designated safe trails.
Authorities are currently conducting a comprehensive damage assessment to begin reconstruction efforts, while warnings remain in place about the possibility of renewed rainfall, requiring emergency services to remain on high alert.
