SUNTV Global Channel | January 18, 2026 | Africa
South Africa has officially declared a national disaster following weeks of relentless heavy rains and storms that have unleashed devastating floods across parts of the country, killing dozens and forcing thousands to flee their homes.
The announcement was made on Sunday by Elias Sithole, head of South Africa’s National Disaster Management Centre, as floodwaters continued to wreak havoc in the northeastern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, where at least 30 people have lost their lives.
“I classify the disaster as a national disaster,” Sithole said, confirming that the scale of destruction had overwhelmed provincial capacities and now required a coordinated national response.
Homes Destroyed, Thousands Displaced
The floods have submerged homes, businesses, and farmlands, leaving communities stranded and vulnerable. Emergency responders have been racing against time to rescue survivors and recover bodies, even as water levels began to recede in some areas over the weekend.
The situation also forced the temporary closure of the iconic Kruger National Park, where guests were evacuated after rising waters posed serious safety risks. Authorities later announced that day visits would resume, while urging visitors to remain cautious.
Crisis Spills Into Mozambique
Across the border in Mozambique, the humanitarian situation is equally dire. Rivers burst their banks, swallowing entire neighbourhoods and displacing tens of thousands. According to official figures, at least eight people have died since December 21, though authorities warn the toll is likely to rise as more residents are reported missing.
In a harrowing account from Gaza province, a woman was forced to give birth on the roof of a house while waiting days for rescue.
“We’ve been here for four days,” said resident Chauna Macuacua, whose sister-in-law delivered a baby while trapped by floodwaters. “The baby was born around 11 pm yesterday, and we still haven’t received any rescue or assistance.”
Civil society groups on the ground fear the worst. Wilker Dias, director of Plataforma Decide, said reports of missing persons continue to come in.
“I think the number of dead will increase in the next hours,” he warned.
Regional Emergency Response
South Africa has also deployed rescue teams to southern Mozambique, after a vehicle carrying five members of a South African mayoral delegation was swept away by floodwaters near Chokwe, north of Maputo.
Mozambican authorities say more than 173,000 people have been affected nationwide, many of them in urgent need of shelter, food, and medical assistance.
As southern Africa grapples with one of its worst flooding disasters in recent years, humanitarian agencies are calling for swift regional and international support to prevent further loss of life.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and bring updates from affected areas.
