LUANDA, ANGOLA — May 25, 2026 – Severe flooding in Angola’s Cunene Province, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, has prompted the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to scale up its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) operation.
The crisis, which began in February 2026, has affected 1,428 people (306 families) in Cunene Province, according to the IFRC.
However, the situation has worsened, with impacts now extending to Cubango and other regions.
As of 27 February, 5,065 people were affected, with 679 houses damaged (320 destroyed).
The situation escalated further in April with major flooding in Luanda and Benguela provinces. More than 51,000 people have been affected across these two provinces, with over 45 deaths reported, the majority occurring in Benguela Province.
The breaking of a dam in Benguela on April 12th led to additional fatalities, missing persons, and displacement of over 9,000 individuals. Efforts to provide relief have been underway, with two accommodation centers established in Benguela, with more locations being selected to house displaced people temporarily.
The IFRC has been actively involved in evacuation efforts, search and rescue operations, and setting up accommodation centers. By April 30th, over 20,000 people were staying across the accommodation centers, with the situation requiring a significant scale-up of the operation.
A national coordination meeting is ongoing, defining priorities and setting analysis on humanitarian gaps.
The DREF operation aims to provide immediate assistance, including food, clean water, and shelter.
The IFRC is working closely with local authorities and other humanitarian partners to ensure that assistance reaches those in need.
As the situation continues to evolve, the urgency of a coordinated and effective response becomes increasingly apparent.
The IFRC’s DREF operation in Angola and the Mozambique Red Cross’evacuation efforts highlight the critical role of international organizations in addressing the complex challenges posed by natural disasters.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
