Severe flooding triggered by intense rainfall has plunged parts of southern Africa into a growing humanitarian crisis with authorities in Angola and Namibia confirming deaths widespread damage and mass displacement.
In Angola heavy storms lasting several hours caused rapid onset floods across urban and coastal areas.
At least fifteen people were killed including twelve in the coastal city of Benguela and three in the capital Luanda.
More than four thousand homes were inundated leaving thousands without shelter particularly in Kilamba and Viana where residents lost most of their belongings.
Critical infrastructure suffered major damage with roads drainage systems and bridges affected limiting relief access and isolating communities.
The crisis has extended into Namibia particularly along the Zambezi River basin where water levels have surged significantly.
Authorities reported river levels reaching about six point eight meters far above the seasonal average prompting emergency measures.
Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate and nine temporary camps have been established including one hosting more than two thousand seven hundred people.
Officials warn of severe agricultural losses with staple crops fully submerged raising concerns over food security.
Regional climate authorities issued a red alert attributing the extreme weather to intensified inter tropical convergence conditions.
Meteorologists expect continued heavy rainfall increasing the risk of further flooding and landslides.
Authorities have urged residents in low lying areas to move to higher ground immediately.
Humanitarian concerns are growing as emergency teams struggle to reach isolated communities.
Officials warn the full scale of the disaster may still be unfolding.
