South Africa Declares National Disaster As Floods Batter Region

 

On Sunday, January 18, 2026, the South African government declared a national state of disaster following weeks of torrential rainfall and widespread flooding that devastated the northern region and neighboring countries.

“I classify the disaster as a national disaster,” the head of South Africa’s National Disaster Management Centre, Elias Sithole, said in a statement Sunday.Impact in South Africa

Casualties: At least 37 deaths have been confirmed in the northeastern provinces, with 20 fatalities in Mpumalanga and 17 in Limpopo.

Infrastructure Damage: The floods have damaged more than 2,600 homes and 31 schools across the two hardest-hit provinces. Preliminary damage estimates in Limpopo alone exceed $240 million.

Tourism: Kruger National Park was forced to partially close and evacuate over 600 visitors by helicopter after rising waters inundated access roads and campsites.

Regional Impact

The severe weather system has affected the broader Southern Africa region, with the total death toll surpassing 200 people:

Mozambique: More than 103 people have died during this unusually severe rainy season, with 173,000 people affected. Dramatic rescues included a woman who gave birth on a roof while waiting four days for assistance.

Zimbabwe: At least 70 deaths have been reported since early January, with extensive damage to schools, bridges, and over 1,000 homes.

Government Response

The declaration, issued by the National Disaster Management Centre, allows the national government to bypass provincial limitations to mobilize resources, including the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for helicopter rescue operations. 

This is the second such declaration in seven months, following a previous flooding disaster in June 2025.