Johannesburg, South Africa | 19 January 2026
The South African government declared a national disaster on 19 January 2026 in response to catastrophic flooding that caused widespread damage and loss of life in the north-eastern provinces.
Torrential rains that began in late 2025 continued into the new year, devastating the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The National Disaster Management Centre confirmed the declaration, which enables a coordinated national response to the crisis. The confirmed death toll in South Africa has exceeded 30 people, with many more still missing.
The floods caused an estimated R4.5 billion (approximately USD 240 million) in damages in Limpopo alone. Critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has been destroyed, and thousands of homes have been damaged. The world-renowned Kruger National Park was forced to close, with hundreds of tourists and staff evacuated by helicopter. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been deployed to assist with search-and-rescue operations, deliver aid, and rebuild vital infrastructure.
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has warned that current disaster management systems are inadequate, putting lives at risk, and has called for a comprehensive overhaul to better handle climate-driven emergencies. The floods have also severely impacted neighbouring Mozambique, where South African soldiers were deployed to assist with evacuations.
References
- eNCA. (2026, January 19). *eNCA News Bite – 19 January 2026*. Retrieved from https://www.enca.com/enca-news-bite-19-january-2026
- ASIS Online. (2026, January). South Africa Declares a National Disaster As Death Toll From Rains and Floods Rise. Retrieved from https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/latest-news/today-in-security/2026/january/south-africa-mozambique-zimbabwe-flooding-natural-disaster/
