Southern Africa: Floods and Cyclones Impact Snapshot (February 2026)

OVERVIEW

Southern Africa has transitioned from the 2023-24 El Niño–driven drought to 2025-26 La Niña-related heavy rains and flash floods, affecting Mozambique, Madagascar, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia, and impacting nearly 1.9 million people by mid‑February. Of these, an estimated 723,000 people were affected by heavy rains and flooding in Mozambique, while more than 681,000 were impacted by cyclones in Madagascar.

Severe flooding and successive cyclones have caused deaths, widespread displacement, the destruction of homes and livelihoods, and extensive crop losses, particularly in Madagascar and Mozambique. With further rainfall forecast through June, flood risks remain high, compounding food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and slowing recovery efforts.

Critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools and health facilities, has been damaged, isolating communities and restricting humanitarian access. Overcrowding in temporary shelters, combined with damaged water and sanitation systems, has increased the risk of disease outbreaks and disrupted routine health services.

The humanitarian response to the cyclones and flooding has been led by affected governments and local authorities, with support from national, regional, and international partners. As heavy rains and successive cyclones struck multiple countries, the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) system, Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other partners deployed response teams to assist national authorities in Mozambique and Madagascar. These teams provided technical expertise, supported rapid needs assessments, and strengthened coordination.

Humanitarian partners across the region have worked alongside governments to deliver life‑saving assistance, including food, safe water, sanitation, emergency health care and temporary shelter, while donors and Member States have contributed relief supplies, response resources and funding. Nonetheless, operations continue to face major challenges, including limited funding. Flooded and damaged roads and bridges have impeded humanitarian access, isolating communities and delaying aid delivery. Ongoing rainfall and saturated river basins have extended displacement and heightened the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks, placing additional strain on fragile health systems.