33 reportedly killed as floods devastate Angola following heavy rains

At least 33 people have reportedly died after days of heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding across Angola, with the capital Luanda and the central city of Benguela among the hardest hit.

Emergency authorities initially confirmed 29 deaths in Luanda and Benguela, but local reports later indicated the toll had risen after additional fatalities were recorded in Cuanza-Sul Province.

According to officials as reported by the BBC, more than 34,000 people have been affected by the disaster, with at least 17 reported injured.
The floods have caused extensive destruction to homes and infrastructure. Thousands of houses have been damaged or destroyed, while roads and bridges have been severely impacted.

In one major incident, the collapse of a bridge pillar on the Hâlo River disrupted traffic between Benguela and Huambo Province, further complicating relief efforts.

President João Lourenço expressed condolences to the victims’ families and described the situation as a “race against the clock” to locate survivors and provide urgent medical care.

He assured citizens that the government had mobilized multiple agencies to respond to the crisis and deliver assistance to those displaced.

The Civil Protection and Fire Service reported that the majority of deaths occurred in Benguela, where 23 people lost their lives, while six fatalities were recorded in Luanda.
Earlier reports had indicated lower casualty figures, but the toll has steadily increased as rescue teams continue their work.

In a statement, the presidency confirmed that key infrastructure—including water systems—had been damaged, while fallen trees and downed power lines have compounded the disruption to daily life.

Seasonal heavy rains are common across southern Africa, though their impact has intensified in recent years.

In 2023, Angola suffered a similar disaster that claimed 30 lives and affected more than 116,000 people across most of the country.

Rescue operations remain ongoing as authorities work to reach affected communities and prevent further loss of life.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.