Angola floods kill dozens, displace thousands in Luanda and other regions

Heavy rains in Angola have led to widespread flooding, resulting in dozens of deaths and affecting over 51,000 people. Emergency services reported 39 fatalities in Luanda and Benguela, with 26 deaths and four missing in Benguela, and 13 deaths and five missing in Luanda province. Local media also reported six additional deaths in Cuanza-Sul and Malanje provinces. The floods have damaged thousands of homes and public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and utilities. A bridge pillar collapse on the Hâlo River disrupted traffic between Benguela and Huambo provinces. President João Lourenço expressed condolences, stating the country is in a "race against the clock" to provide aid and medical care to those affected. The government has mobilized state agencies to assist victims. This event follows severe flooding in 2023 that affected 15 out of 18 provinces, resulting in 30 deaths and impacting over 116,000 people.