At least 14 dead, 8 165 displaced after flash floods hit Luanda, Angola
At least 14 people have died while 8 165 have been displaced after heavy rains caused flash floods in Luanda Province, Angola, on April 19, 2021. Widespread damage was also reported, with up to 1 617 homes flooded. Drainage channels blocked by rubbish reportedly worsened the flooding situation.
Heavy downpours caused severe flash flooding in Luanda on April 19, resulting in fatalities and widespread damage.
Preliminary figures from the provincial government show that 1 617 homes have been flooded and 16 collapsed. As many as 8 165 people are believed to have been displaced or severely affected.
Officials said roads in the south were shut after a bridge over the Camorteiro River was damaged.
At least 14 people lost their lives in the onslaught of the severe weather, while two others were injured. Some of the victims were electrocuted or buried under collapsed homes.
Five deaths were reported in Luanda, three in Cazenga, and two each in the surrounding municipalities of Cacuaco, Viana, and Kilamba Kiaxi.
This was Luanda's second major flood event in a period of four weeks.
On March 16, heavy rain triggered severe flash floods in some areas in Luanda, resulting in at least four fatalities and three people missing, according to the National Civil Protection and Fire Service.
Earlier, heavy rain had also affected areas of Angola further south. In Cuanza Sul Province, one person died and two were injured after downpours caused damage in Sumbe City on April 16.
Featured image credit: TPA Online/YouTube
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