Heavy rains and flash floods have claimed the lives of around 40 people in Angola, with several others still missing, authorities reported. The downpours over the weekend submerged streets, damaged homes, and disrupted daily life in the capital, Luanda, and the coastal city of Benguela.
In Luanda province, 13 fatalities were confirmed, and five people remain unaccounted for. Benguela province reported 26 deaths with four missing. Additional casualties were recorded in the provinces of Cuanza Sul and Malanje, bringing the overall death toll to at least 40.
More than 600 homes have been destroyed in Luanda and Benguela, while over 9,500 properties were flooded. Officials estimate that over 51,000 people have been affected by the extreme weather. Emergency teams are actively draining water from streets and homes while distributing food and clean drinking water, with conditions slowly improving.
Scientists warn that while heavy rains are typical during southern Africa’s rainy season, climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events.
