MBABANE – The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has warned that weeks of heavy rainfall may worsen the humanitarian situation in the Kingdom, with more than 1 600 people already affected.
The rains, which began in late December, have caused widespread flooding, damaging homes and infrastructure across the country. While rainfall has eased in some areas, NDMA says the impact on communities remains severe.
In its situational report released on January 19, the agency confirmed that 1 645 people have been affected, 113 households sustained damage, 11 people were injured, and two deaths have been recorded. Many families have been displaced after their homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable due to flooding and persistent waterlogging.
The agency said the disaster has placed immense strain on critical infrastructure, particularly water supply and sanitation systems, with several facilities either collapsing or becoming submerged. This has disrupted access to safe drinking water and raised concerns about potential public health outbreaks.
“Numerous sanitation facilities have been compromised, significantly increasing health risks for affected populations,” NDMA said.
Access to some communities remains limited as damaged roads and washed-away bridges hamper emergency response and slow delivery of essential services and humanitarian aid.
Schools have also been affected, with several reporting damaged structures, collapsed toilets, and waterlogged classrooms, leaving learning environments unsafe for students.
NDMA said assessments are ongoing and urged communities to remain alert, warning that further rainfall could worsen the fragile situation.
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