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Deadly Floods in South Africa Prompt National Disaster Declaration
Authorities in South Africa have declared a national disaster after heavy rains caused floods that resulted in dozens of fatalities and the destruction of thousands of homes and infrastructure, particularly in the northeastern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
The floods have forced residents to seek refuge in temporary shelters, while emergency teams continue search and rescue operations amid challenging conditions due to ongoing rainfall and rising river levels. Power and water services have been disrupted in several affected areas, exacerbating the suffering of local residents.
The government announced that the disaster declaration aims to expedite relief efforts and marshal national resources to address the crisis. Meteorological services have warned of the potential for severe weather to persist in the coming days, urging citizens to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines.
Tourist attractions and natural reserves have also been impacted by the floods, leading to the closure of parts of the famous Kruger National Park, and tourists and staff have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
These floods are part of a wave of extreme weather affecting Southern Africa, raising concerns about the impacts of climate change on the region and the authorities’ capacity to manage natural disasters.
