Angola Floods & Landslides

Overview

Beginning in late March 2026, persistent heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding across Angola's southern and central provinces. The crisis escalated dramatically in early April when intense downpours from April 4–6 caused flash floods and landslides in Luanda, Benguela, Cuanza Sul, and Malanje provinces. By April 15, at least 71 people had been killed — including 26 in Benguela, 13 in Luanda, four in Cuanza Sul, and two in Malanje — with the death toll expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue. The situation worsened further on April 13–14 when a protective dike along the left bank of the Cavaco River between Calomanga and Seta collapsed, unleashing catastrophic flooding across Benguela Province. Across all affected areas, 607 homes have been completely destroyed and over 9,500 submerged, displacing approximately 76,000 people. An estimated 220,000 people have been affected, with urgent needs for shelter, clean water, food, and medical care. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched a Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) operation to support the Angolan Red Cross response, while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is providing shelter and non-food assistance to 10,000 of the most vulnerable flood victims. UNICEF, USAID, and Catholic Relief Services are conducting joint assessments in the hardest-hit areas.