In a devastating turn of events, the city of Benguela, Angola, has been struck by severe flooding that has claimed at least 18 lives, with authorities still searching for 11 missing individuals as of April 15, 2026.
The crisis unfolded after intense rainfall caused the Cavaco River to overflow its banks. The situation escalated dramatically on Sunday when a protective barrier on the river’s left bank failed, resulting in widespread flooding across multiple neighborhoods.
The floods devastated residential areas, leading to extensive destruction and widespread panic among the local populace. Officials reported that approximately 451 homes were washed away, forcing thousands into precarious living conditions without shelter or basic needs.
About 20,000 individuals have been displaced, urgently requiring humanitarian aid, including food, potable water, and medical services.
President Joao Lourenco has visited the disaster-hit areas to oversee emergency response efforts linked to the Cavaco River dam. He also convened a meeting with the National Civil Protection Committee in Benguela to evaluate the situation and direct relief strategies for those affected.
Historical evidence reveals that the Cavaco River has been prone to recurrent flooding incidents, notably in 1979, 1983, 2002, and 2015, each causing significant harm to properties, agricultural lands, and human lives.
The Southern African region has seen an unusual increase in rainfall during recent years, with neighboring countries such as Namibia and Zambia also grappling with severe flooding, underscoring a rising climate threat in the region.
Furthermore, in 2023, Angola experienced severe floods that resulted in 30 deaths and impacted over 116,000 individuals across 15 of its provinces, reflecting the persistent risk of such calamities in the nation.
