South Africa Flood Death Toll Rises to 38 in Limpopo, Mpumalanga

Aremu Toyeebaht January 21, 2026 2 minutes read

South Africa’s Human Settlements Minister, Thembi Simelane, has confirmed that at least 38 people have died following devastating floods in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, as government steps up emergency housing interventions for thousands left homeless.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Simelane said fatalities in Limpopo had risen from 17 to 18, while Mpumalanga recorded 20 deaths. She added that six people remain missing in Limpopo, raising fears that the toll could still increase.

The floods, caused by several days of relentless rainfall, have left widespread destruction in their wake, damaging or destroying thousands of homes across the two provinces.

South Africa’s flood death toll has risen to 38 in Limpopo and Mpumalanga as government fast-tracks emergency housing for displaced families.

According to Simelane, preliminary assessments show that 1,942 houses have been damaged in Limpopo, while 1,808 homes were affected in Mpumalanga.

She cautioned that these numbers are not final, noting that ongoing assessments could push the figures higher.

She explained that rescue and relief operations are being slowed in some areas by severe weather conditions and difficult terrain, particularly in parts of Limpopo.

Simelane emphasised that the verification of affected households is “central” to the government’s response, as it determines both the scale of damage and the kind of emergency housing support families will receive.

Homes submerged and damaged by severe flooding in Limpopo, one of the provinces hardest hit by recent heavy rains.

Despite the process still being under way, she said assistance has already begun for households that have been verified.

Government’s response includes a two-phase emergency housing plan. The first phase focuses on procuring Temporary Emergency Accommodation for flood victims currently housed in mass care centres and evacuation sites.

The second phase will involve the rollout of Temporary Residential Units, with 39 units allocated to the Mbaula area, 73 to Bushbuckridge, five to Blouberg and 13 to Makhado.

Simelane said she, alongside the Limpopo and Mpumalanga MECs for Human Settlements, will visit affected communities over the next two days to monitor progress and “ensure the communities receive the necessary help”.

She also extended her condolences to bereaved families and praised local communities and organisations that have rallied to support residents who lost their homes and livelihoods in the disaster.