Deadly flash floods hit Luanda, Angola

Torrential rains triggered major flash floods in Luanda, Angola, from Monday, March 15, 2021. As many as 1 770 people have been affected and according to the National Civil Protection and Fire Service, at least four people died and three others went missing.

Heavy downpours began Monday, which led to flooding that affected the central parts of the city and caused widespread traffic disruption. As many as 554 homes were damaged in districts around the city, including Viana, Cacuaco, Belas, and Talatona.

Around 100 mm (4 inches) of rain fell in a 24-hour period to Tuesday, March 17 but much of the total fell during a three-hour period on Monday.

At least four people lost their lives in the flood, while three others went missing, including two children. Among the victims was a street vendor who died due to electrocution, as confirmed by Faustino Miguéns, a spokesman for the Civil Protection and Fire Service of Luanda.

He added that up to 1 770 people or 80 percent of the city has been affected by the severe weather.

Joana Lina, the provincial governor of Luanda, said assessments will be conducted and authorities are already gathering information about the situation.

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