Overview
- World Weather Attribution reported that late-December to January storms dropped roughly a year’s rain in about 10 days across Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Eswatini.
- Researchers estimated the intensity of such extreme rainfall has increased by about 40% since preindustrial times as a warmer atmosphere holds and releases more moisture.
- The current La Niña compounded the deluge by reinforcing naturally wetter conditions, contributing to downpours described as roughly a once-in-50-years event.
- Authorities cite more than 100 deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced or isolated, with homes submerged, bridges washed out and closures across South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
- The analysis underscores forecasting limitations and calls for African-led climate models and stronger adaptation as Mozambique contends with flooded farmland and tightening food supplies.