The death toll has risen to eight, with seven people still missing, following heavy rains and the overflow of the Cavaco River in Benguela Province, Angola’s fire service said.
According to a provisional report from the Civil Protection and Fire Service, 3,624 people were rescued due to the flooding, while around 7,000 families have been sheltered at a temporary reception center in the municipality of Benguela.
Authorities reported that 367 homes collapsed and 3,313 people were left isolated, along with 62 head of cattle, in areas along the Halo River.
The rains also caused significant infrastructure damage, including the destruction of a bridge over the Halo River and partial damage to another over the Hondio River. Solar panels, water pumps, electricity transmission poles, water supply infrastructure, vehicles, and several areas were also affected by flooding.
Read more about this topic: Angola: 29 dead due to heavy rains and floods
A statement from the provincial government said around 9,000 families have been impacted. However, conditions are beginning to stabilize in most affected neighborhoods, as rainfall decreases and initial drainage efforts take effect.
The government also noted that drainage infrastructure works on the Hondio River, in the municipality of Caimbambo, have been completed and are expected to become operational on Tuesday.
The measure is considered crucial to reducing flood risks and improving rainwater drainage in the area.
