UAE conveys solidarity after deadly South African floods

United Arab Emirates has expressed solidarity with the Republic of South Africa and conveyed condolences to families affected by floods and heavy rainfall that have claimed lives and caused widespread damage in parts of the country’s north, underscoring growing humanitarian concern as climate-linked weather events intensify across the region.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Emirates stands with South Africa during the period of mourning and extended sympathy to the families of the victims as well as to the government and people of South Africa. The message also conveyed wishes for a swift recovery for those injured, reflecting the UAE’s practice of issuing diplomatic and humanitarian responses to natural disasters abroad.

Authorities in South Africa reported that intense rainfall led to flooding across several provinces, disrupting transport networks, damaging homes and public infrastructure, and forcing emergency services into prolonged rescue and relief operations. Local officials said rivers breached their banks following sustained downpours, sweeping away vehicles and inundating low-lying settlements. Schools and municipal services were suspended in affected districts as assessments of damage continued.

Emergency management agencies deployed search and rescue teams, medical personnel and disaster relief units to assist stranded residents and to recover bodies from flood-hit areas. Provincial authorities warned that additional rainfall could worsen conditions in already saturated catchments, increasing the risk of landslides and flash floods. Power and water supply interruptions were reported in multiple localities as infrastructure sustained damage.

The UAE’s message of solidarity aligns with its broader foreign policy approach that places emphasis on humanitarian diplomacy. Over the past decade, the Emirates has expanded disaster response partnerships and provided aid following earthquakes, floods and cyclones across Africa, Asia and Europe. Officials have repeatedly stressed that climate-driven disasters require coordinated international responses, particularly for countries facing infrastructure and resource constraints.

Climate scientists in South Africa have pointed to a pattern of more intense rainfall episodes linked to warming ocean temperatures and shifting weather systems. Research from regional climate bodies indicates that southern Africa is experiencing greater variability in rainfall, with longer dry spells punctuated by short periods of extreme precipitation. These patterns heighten flood risks, particularly in urban areas with inadequate drainage and in rural zones where settlements are located near rivers and floodplains.

Local governments in flood-affected provinces said early warning systems helped reduce casualties in some districts, though officials acknowledged gaps in preparedness. Informal housing and ageing infrastructure were identified as key vulnerabilities, with community leaders urging accelerated investment in flood defences, drainage upgrades and relocation of high-risk settlements.

Humanitarian organisations operating in South Africa have called for sustained assistance beyond immediate rescue efforts, highlighting the need for shelter, clean water and medical support for displaced families. Agricultural groups warned that crop losses could affect food supply chains in certain areas, particularly where smallholder farms were submerged. Economists noted that repeated weather shocks place pressure on public finances, diverting resources from long-term development to emergency response.

The Emirates’ statement also reflects established diplomatic ties between Abu Dhabi and Pretoria, which cooperate across trade, energy, education and multilateral forums. Analysts say such messages, while symbolic, play a role in reinforcing bilateral goodwill and signalling readiness for practical support should assistance be requested through formal channels.