Devastating floods have claimed at least 31 lives and displaced more than 5,000 people in South Africa and Botswana, as heavy rainfall continues to wreak havoc across the region.
In South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, a woman lost her life in Pinetown on Friday after her vehicle was swept away by powerful floodwaters. Rescue teams are currently working to clear debris and assist affected communities in the region.
The floods, which struck between February 16 and 20, have severely impacted multiple areas, with KwaZulu-Natal near Durban reporting 22 fatalities. In Botswana, nine people, including six children, have died in the capital, Gaborone.
The extreme weather has caused widespread destruction, cutting off entire regions and leaving many residents stranded. Major disruptions include the closure of border crossings into South Africa, severe traffic congestion, and the temporary suspension of all government schools in Botswana.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay clear of low-lying areas as heavy rains persist, raising concerns about further flooding. Emergency teams are working around the clock to provide aid, restore infrastructure, and help affected communities recover.
With the situation still critical, officials continue to monitor weather patterns and issue warnings to prevent further casualties and damage.
