Devastating Floods in Angola Claim 18 Lives, Thousands Displaced

Post by : Shakul

In a tragic turn of events, severe flooding in Benguela, Angola, has claimed the lives of 18 individuals, with 11 more still unaccounted for, as per reports from local authorities updated on April 15, 2026.

The catastrophic flooding ensued after the Cavaco River overflowed due to relentless rainfall. Compounding the disaster, a levee on the river's left bank collapsed last Sunday, resulting in sudden flooding across multiple neighborhoods.

Entire areas were submerged, leading to widespread devastation and chaos. Officials reported that approximately 451 homes were wrecked, displacing thousands who now lack shelter and essential resources.

The disaster has left nearly 20,000 people in dire need of humanitarian aid, including food, clean water, and medical assistance.

President Joao Lourenco visited the flooded region to observe emergency response measures associated with the Cavaco River dam. He also convened a session of the National Civil Protection Committee in Benguela to evaluate the situation and organize relief for those affected.

Historically, the Cavaco River has been prone to flooding, with significant incidents recorded in 1979, 1983, 2002, and 2015, all resulting in considerable harm to dwellings, farmland, and life.

The broader Southern African landscape has also been grappling with unusual precipitation this season; neighboring countries like Namibia and Zambia have faced their own flood disasters, underlining a growing risk tied to climate change in the region.

In 2023, Angola experienced catastrophic floods that resulted in 30 fatalities and affected over 116,000 individuals across 15 provinces, emphasizing the ongoing threat of such calamities in the nation.

#Environment #Asia News #Water Resistance #Floods #Disasters