Heavy and persistent rainfall since 8th April 2026 has caused severe flooding across Benguela Province, Angola. The situation escalated significantly following the collapse of a protective dike on 13th-14th April 2026 along the left bank of the Cavaco River between Calomanga and Seta, resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis.
Over the next 48 hours, further moderate to isolated heavy rainfall is forecast across Angola (ReliefWeb).
The breach resulted in uncontrolled flooding affecting densely populated urban and peri-urban areas, particularly low-income settlements with fragile housing structures and limited drainage systems.
According to preliminary assessments (Reuters), and reports from provincial authorities, CICA member churches and humanitarian field teams, over 34,000 people are affected, at least 4,500 people are displaced, and approximately 800+ families have been initially confirmed displaced (rapid assessments ongoing). The death toll is now at 45 confirmed deaths (ReliefWeb), and more than 100 houses have been extensively destroyed, with extensive damage also to infrastructure.
Members of ACT Angola Forum, Associação Luterana para o Desenvolvimento de Angola – Lutheran Association for Development of Angola (ALDA), CICA Secretariat (lead), and ACT Angola Forum members (NCA, Bread for the World, CICA) are planning to respond to the flood crisis.