Country: Zambia Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Description of the Event Date of event 17-04-2026 What happened, where and when? Continuous and heavy rainfall began in Southern Province on 11 January 2026, progressively saturating soils and overwhelming the land’s natural absorption capacity. This situation was exacerbated by low-lying topography, poor drainage infrastructure, and the overflow of natural waterways, all of which increased surface runoff into communities. On 20 January 2026, these conditions led to flash floods affecting districts including Choma, Livingstone, and Monze. In Monze District, particularly in Bweengwa, the floods inundated homes and agricultural fields, damaged infrastructure, and severely disrupted livelihoods. Overall, an estimated 1, 126 households (approximately 6, 756 people) were affected across the three districts, including 754 households in Monze, with 91 households displaced in Monze District alone. The floods reported on 20 January 2026 in Bweengwa had far-reaching, multi-sectoral impacts, significantly disrupting daily life and livelihoods in the affected communities. To better understand evolving needs, the Zambia Red Cross conducted a rapid assessment on 2 March 2026 in Monze District. Findings showed that the number of affected and displaced households had increased from the initially targeted 91 households to 165 households, highlighting a significant escalation in needs. This required a scale-up of assistance and reallocation of initial resources to adequately support all displaced households in this priority area. Subsequently, further flooding occurred on 9 March 2026 in Western Province, triggering additional displacement. Populations from Nalolo District, the most severely affected area, were evacuated from the Barotse flood plains in Silowana and relocated to Senanga District, where they are currently living in camps. A comprehensive report from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) covering March to April 2026 and shared with the National Society on 17 Aprilconfirmed that multiple districts in Western Province were adversely affected, including Kaoma, Kalabo, Mongu, Mitete, Sioma, Nalolo, Sikongo, and Senanga. The report identified urgent humanitarian needs in Senanga, where 1, 187 displaced households are now in need of assistance. Consequently, the DMMU has requested the Zambia Red Cross Society to urgently scale up interventions in Senanga District to respond to these needs.
Zambia Flood 2026: DREF Operational Update (MDRZM026)
RELATED ARTICLES
