Staff Reporter
WHEN Pope Leo XIV disembarks in Angola on Saturday, he will be arriving in a country reeling from devastating floods that have so far claimed several lives and left thousands homeless.
The situation is dire, with reports of several dozen deaths and thousands of people affected across the country.
In the Benguela province alone, five deaths were reported on Sunday amidst widespread destruction and displacement. Provincial authorities confirmed the death of at least five people and about 4,500 inhabitants left homeless after the protective dike of the Cavaco River collapsed on Sunday, releasing a mass of floodwater into five settlements on the periphery of Benguela city. Several areas of the city were also affected.
The latest flooding came a week after 27 people died and approximately 200 houses were destroyed during a heavy downpour in the area.
Angolan authorities said that agricultural areas and farms close to the river are completely submerged, and road traffic between Benguela and Lobito is closed. The flood also affected the Benguela Railway line.
Provincial Governor Manuel Nunes Junior acknowledged that the situation in Benguela is critical and promised firm support from the central government.
The Angolan media quoted him as saying that several actors are on the ground rescuing people and providing other emergency services.
The heavy rains and the resultant flooding came at a time when Angolans — the majority of whom are Catholics — are preparing for the visit of Pope Leo XIV, who is expected to arrive in the country on Saturday for a three-day visit.
Photos: Contributed
