Deadly Floods Claim 38 Lives in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa Declares National Disaster

Catastrophic Flooding Grips Limpopo and Mpumalanga

Heavy rainfall and subsequent widespread flooding have devastated South Africa's Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, claiming the lives of at least 38 people. The severe weather, which began in early January 2026, has caused extensive damage to infrastructure and displaced numerous communities, prompting the declaration of a national state of disaster on January 18, 2026.

Widespread Damage and Disruption

The impact of the floods has been severe across both provinces. In Limpopo, 18 fatalities have been reported, with an additional six people still missing. Mpumalanga has recorded 20 deaths. Preliminary reports indicate that 1,942 homes in Limpopo and 1,808 homes in Mpumalanga have been affected, with many destroyed or severely damaged.

Critical infrastructure has also suffered significantly:

• In Limpopo, provincial authorities confirmed that 439 roads were destroyed, with bridges collapsing and entire transport routes rendered impassable.
• The renowned Kruger National Park, situated on the border of both provinces, experienced closures and evacuations of hundreds of tourists and staff. The park sustained damage to roads, bridges, staff villages, and tourist facilities, with estimated losses nearing $30 million (half a billion rand).
• The Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs noted that at least three other provinces have also been affected by the severe weather.

Government Response and Relief Efforts

In response to the escalating crisis, the South African government declared a national state of disaster, allowing for a coordinated national response. Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane provided updates on the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by relief teams due to ongoing adverse weather conditions, particularly in Limpopo.

The Department of Human Settlements has dispatched its Emergency Housing Unit to the affected areas. Efforts are underway to provide assistance, including the procurement of Temporary Emergency Accommodation (TEA) for those in mass care and evacuation centers, and Temporary Residential Units (TRUs). President Cyril Ramaphosa visited flood-affected areas in Mpumalanga's Nkomazi Local Municipality on January 19, 2026, to assess the damage and ongoing relief operations.

Broader Regional Impact

The heavy rains are part of a larger weather system that originated from a low-pressure system in Mozambique, affecting neighboring countries as well. More than 100 people have died across South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe since the rains began late last year. The situation underscores the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events, with President Ramaphosa linking the crisis to the broader impacts of climate change.