MAPUTO-(MaraviPost)-Heavy rains have battered parts of southern Africa in recent weeks, causing widespread flooding that has claimed over 100 lives across Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Amid the resulting floods, crocodiles have started to appear in towns across the country, claiming three lives and posing a new threat to residents.
The animals, normally found in rivers and wildlife reserves, have been forced into urban areas as floodwaters rise and habitats are destroyed.
According to reports, Mozambique has been the hardest hit, with over 200,000 people affected and 103 deaths reported since late last year.
The flooding has also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and homes, with thousands left homeless.
In South Africa, the military has been deployed to rescue stranded residents and evacuate tourists from flooded areas, including Kruger National Park.
The World Food Programme has warned that the flooding has submerged over 70,000 hectares of crops, worsening food insecurity for thousands of small-scale farmers.
The UN has also warned of increased risks of disease outbreaks and malnutrition, particularly among children, as floodwaters contaminate water sources and destroy homes.
The situation is expected to worsen as more heavy rain is forecast in the coming days, with authorities urging residents to exercise caution and follow evacuation orders.
