Southern Africa is reeling from catastrophic floods that have killed more than 100 people and displaced nearly 400,000, with authorities issuing chilling warnings about crocodiles drifting into populated areas as rivers burst their banks.
Zimbabwe: At least 70 deaths, widespread destruction of homes and farmland.
South Africa: Over 30 deaths, with Kruger National Park suffering severe damage and evacuations.
Mozambique: 13 deaths, including three killed by crocodiles swept downstream into villages.
Henriques Bongece, secretary of Mozambique’s Maputo province, cautioned:
“We want to urge everyone not to approach still waters because crocodiles are drifting in these waters. The rivers have connected with all areas where there is water.”
Worst flooding since 2000, when about 700 people died in Mozambique.
Region faces extreme weather swings: droughts, cyclones, and now torrential rains linked to climate change.
Displacement: Nearly 400,000 people forced from homes.
Health Risks: Aid agencies warn of cholera outbreaks in camps housing 100,000 displaced residents.
Food Security: Over 60,000 hectares of farmland destroyed, with 58,000 livestock lost.
Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, and the N1 highway in Mozambique severely damaged.
Mozambique’s disaster agency says aid funding is slower and smaller than in past crises.
South Africa has launched a recovery fund for Kruger National Park, with damages estimated at 700 million rand (£32m).
The floods highlight the escalating toll of climate change in Southern Africa, where disasters now bring not only destruction but also predators into human settlements, compounding the humanitarian crisis.
