From the Democratic Republic of Congo to Rwanda and South Africa, relentless rains trigger floods, landslides, and destruction of livelihoods, intensifying food insecurity across the continent.
By Africalivenews Staff Writer
AFRICA — Devastating floods caused by persistent heavy rains have struck multiple African nations in recent weeks, leaving a trail of destruction, displacing millions, and threatening to worsen food insecurity across the continent. From Tanganyika province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) to the highlands of Rwanda and the flood-prone regions of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, the scale and frequency of climate-related disasters are escalating.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), nearly 10,000 people have been displaced in eastern DR Congo alone due to rising waters and severe weather. In Rwanda, at least four people were killed and more than 70 hectares of crops destroyed, while South African authorities have issued high-alert weather warnings for KwaZulu-Natal, urging residents to brace for more flooding.
As climate volatility intensifies, African nations—already grappling with poverty, conflict, and strained infrastructure—now face a mounting climate emergency with widespread social, economic, and humanitarian consequences.
DR Congo: Thousands Homeless, Crops Destroyed in Tanganyika
One of the hardest-hit areas is the Tanganyika province of DR Congo, where heavy rainfall has overwhelmed rivers and low-lying areas, submerging homes, schools, and farmland. The UNHCR reported that nearly 10,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, many now seeking shelter in overcrowded public buildings and makeshift camps.
“The flooding has washed away entire communities,” said a UNHCR official. “Thousands are now without shelter, food, or clean water. The situation is extremely dire.”
In addition to the immediate humanitarian crisis, the loss of staple crops such as cassava, maize, and peanuts threatens longer-term food security. Local farmers report that fields have been inundated beyond recovery, with the rainy season expected to continue for weeks.
“The soil is too saturated. Nothing can grow anymore,” said Mbuyu, a local farmer from Kalemie. “We are hungry today, and we will be hungrier tomorrow.”
Rwanda: Landslides and Floods Kill Four, Displace Thousands
In Rwanda, unusually intense rains have led to widespread landslides and flash floods, killing at least four people and damaging over 70 hectares of crops, according to the Rwandan Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management. The disaster has impacted communities across Northern, Western, and Southern provinces, where the country’s rugged terrain makes it particularly vulnerable to landslides.
The government has identified 522 disaster-prone hotspots, placing around 22,000 households and 97,000 people at immediate risk. Authorities are currently working to relocate the most vulnerable and provide temporary shelter and food supplies.
“We are deploying all available resources,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry. “But the combination of climate change, deforestation, and unregulated land use is making it harder to protect lives and livelihoods.”
Rwanda has experienced a marked increase in rainfall-related disasters over the past decade. Experts warn that without substantial investment in climate adaptation and infrastructure, the frequency and intensity of such disasters will continue to rise.
South Africa: KwaZulu-Natal on High Alert for Further Flooding
Farther south, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 4 Yellow Warning for disruptive rain in key parts of KwaZulu-Natal, including uMgungundlovu, Harry Gwala, uThukela, Ugu, and eThekwini districts.
The alert warns residents to prepare for flooding of roads, homes, and low-lying bridges, and to avoid unnecessary travel or crossing swollen streams.
KwaZulu-Natal is no stranger to climate disasters. The region was devastated in April 2022 when floods killed more than 430 people and caused billions in infrastructure damage. That memory is still fresh, and many residents are taking precautions early.
“Every time it rains heavily, we worry it will be like 2022 again,” said Thandiwe M., a resident of Durban. “The drainage is poor, and the houses are too close to rivers. We need help.”
Climate Change: A Continent Under Siege
The string of extreme weather events underscores how climate change is reshaping life across Africa, even though the continent contributes just a fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Africa is warming faster than the global average, making weather patterns more unpredictable and extreme.
Floods, droughts, and storms are becoming more frequent and intense, placing immense strain on national economies and disaster response systems. In many African nations, basic infrastructure such as drainage systems, emergency housing, and early warning systems remain underdeveloped.
Humanitarian organizations have urged the international community to increase climate financing, particularly for climate adaptation and resilience in vulnerable countries.
“Millions of lives are at stake,” said a representative from the African Climate Foundation. “Africa needs immediate investment in sustainable infrastructure and climate-smart agriculture to withstand these shocks.”
The Road Ahead: Urgency for Climate Resilience
Governments across the continent are now calling for stronger regional coordination and global partnerships to build long-term resilience. In the short term, emergency responses are underway—food rations, temporary shelters, and health interventions are being distributed, but funding remains limited.
In DR Congo, humanitarian agencies are appealing for $40 million in urgent aid to address the current flooding crisis. In Rwanda, officials are fast-tracking the relocation of communities in high-risk zones, while South Africa is investing in improved weather forecasting and disaster management protocols.
Yet, the need far exceeds current capabilities.
“This isn’t just a series of isolated disasters—it’s part of a growing pattern,” said climate analyst Dr. Kemi Toure. “African governments must integrate climate resilience into their national development plans. The time to act is now.”
Conclusion
As floods continue to ravage communities from Central to Southern Africa, the continent faces an unprecedented climate emergency. With millions displaced, crops destroyed, and food insecurity looming, the call for climate action, global solidarity, and investment in resilience has never been louder—or more urgent.
