What is the location of the flooding?
Flooding that began in late November is currently devastating multiple countries across Southern Africa, primarily affecting Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Over 100 people have died (1).
Flooding has been ongoing for some months, though it has intensified in recent days. Flooding is concentrated in South Africa’s northern Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, Mozambique’s central and southern regions, and parts of Zimbabwe near the South Africa-Zimbabwe border. Rivers have burst their banks in Kruger National Park and the Limpopo River Basin, which has overflowed due to heavy rainfall.
Coastal regions of Mozambique and Madagascar are also experiencing severe flooding. Over 200,000 people have been impacted by flooding in Mozambique since flooding began, and tens of thousands displaced (2).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Flooding is affecting a wide swath of Southern Africa, including:
- Central and southern regions (worst-hit areas).
- Kruger National Park (closed due to flooding).
- Northern districts in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.
- Areas near the South Africa-Zimbabwe border, including collapsed infrastructure.
Flooding has been reported in multiple regions of Madagascar, Malawi, and Zambia, with Madagascar confirming 11 deaths since flooding began in late November.
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Containment efforts remain challenging as floodwaters continue to rise, with authorities warning of worsening conditions due to ongoing and forecasted rainfall.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Evacuation orders and emergency alerts are in effect across the hardest-hit regions. South Africa has issued a Red-Level 10 alert for parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, signaling a severe threat to life and property.
In Mozambique, tens of thousands of people are being evacuated, while Zimbabwe has reported evacuations in flood-stricken areas where over 1,000 homes have been destroyed. Kruger National Park remains closed to visitors, with more than 600 tourists and staff relocated to safer, high-lying areas within the park.
Authorities are urging residents in high-risk zones to follow evacuation orders and seek shelter in designated emergency centers.
Rescue operations are actively underway, including helicopter evacuations for stranded residents in South Africa’s Limpopo province and Kruger National Park.
Infrastructure damage is extensive, with thousands of homes destroyed, roads and bridges washed out.
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
