Tragic Floods in Benguela, Angola: 18 Lives Lost

In a devastating turn of events, the city of Benguela in Angola has experienced severe flooding, resulting in at least 18 fatalities, with 11 individuals still unaccounted for, as reported by local authorities on April 15, 2026.

The disaster was triggered by significant rainfall raising water levels in the Cavaco River, culminating in the collapse of a protective wall on the river’s left bank last Sunday. This led to rapid and extensive flooding across various neighborhoods.

With residential areas submerged, the situation has left countless residents in turmoil, with at least 451 homes reported destroyed. Thousands are now without shelter and essential supplies.

The calamity has displaced nearly 20,000 people who urgently require humanitarian assistance, including food, clean water, and medical care.

In response to the crisis, President Joao Lourenco visited the affected areas to oversee the emergency response linked to the Cavaco River dam. He chaired a session of the National Civil Protection Committee in Benguela to review the situation and strategize on relief efforts.

Historical records reveal that the Cavaco River has been prone to flooding, with significant incidents occurring in 1979, 1983, 2002, and 2015, each causing extensive damage to homes, farmland, and loss of life.

The Southern African region has seen an increase in heavy rainfall over recent seasons. Nations such as Namibia and Zambia have been similarly affected by deadly floods, underscoring an emerging climate crisis.

In 2023, Angola faced substantial flooding that claimed 30 lives and impacted over 116,000 people across 15 provinces, illustrating the persistent challenge of such disasters in the nation.