Extreme Rainfall

latest news & developments

In Mpumalanga and Limpopo, the floods killed at least 38 people. The Kruger National Park was forced to close. (SANParks)

Climate change and La Niña drove deadly southern Africa floods, analysis finds

The intensity of heavy downpours has increased by 40% since pre-industrial times, with some areas receiving more than a year’s rain in just days

Sheree Bega

A view of the Vaal River after heavy rains caused floods in Parys town of Orange Free state, South Africa on February 19, 2023. (Photo by Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

CHARLOTTE MCBRIDE

Heavy rain becoming more prevalent in parts of SA, study shows

As the country warms, the intensity of rainfall is expected to increase

Sheree Bega

A man looks on as members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) K9 search and rescue unit searches for a missing 23 year old man in KwaNdengezi, west of Durban, on April 20, 2022. – South Africa’s government April 19, 2022 sought to reassure a worried public about efforts to help the east coast, where millions remained without water more than a week after deadly storms pounded the region. Some 10,000 troops were being deployed to assist, both with air support for search efforts and relief operations, but also with engineering, plumbing and electrical support to try to get basic services running. (GUILLEM SARTORIO/AFP via Getty Images)

Durban’s future: Storms, intense and more frequent flooding

Climate projections show that the eThekwini metro will receive more rain by 2050 that could fall in brief periods

Sheree Bega