Climate change has significantly intensified torrential rains and flooding across Southern Africa, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 people and the displacement of over 300,000 others, researchers said on January 29.
An analysis by World Weather Attribution found that parts of South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe received rainfall equivalent to their annual average within just 10 days, triggering widespread and devastating floods.
The floods caused extensive damage to homes and critical infrastructure, with losses estimated at millions of dollars, and led to severe humanitarian consequences. In Mozambique, numerous houses and buildings were completely submerged, while in South Africa’s Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, as well as in parts of Zimbabwe, roads and bridges were destroyed, further complicating rescue and relief efforts.
Experts warn that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, underscoring the urgent need for adaptation measures, resilient infrastructure, and early-warning systems across vulnerable regions.
