Flooding in Southern Africa
19 January 2026
In the last few days, devastating floods have swept through parts of Southern Africa.
“Homes have been washed away, livelihoods destroyed, and entire communities displaced. Families are grieving the loss of loved ones, while others wait anxiously for news of those still unaccounted for. The scale of the destruction is heart-breaking. In many of the affected areas, Methodist Societies and Circuits are overwhelmed. Food, shelter, clean water, clothing, and medical supplies are urgently required. These floods are part of a growing pattern of extreme weather across our region with droughts that linger longer, storms that strike harder, and rainfall that becomes increasingly unpredictable. Climate change is no longer a distant theory; it is a lived reality for the poorest and most vulnerable among us. As a church committed to justice, compassion, and stewardship of God’s creation, we cannot ignore this moment. We are called to respond not only to the immediate crisis but also to the deeper environmental wounds that are shaping our future.”
The Revd Sva Waqu, Mission Director of the Methodist Church in Southern AfricaA prayer
Heavenly Father,
We lift before you all affected by flooding across Southern Africa at this time.
We pray for those who have lost loved ones, homes, crops and livestock;
Enfold them with your comfort, love and grace at this time.
We lift before you all in the Methodist Church in Southern Africa who, along with others, are seeking to respond to the many challenges and urgent needs.
And we pray for all efforts to address the ongoing consequences of climate change around the world.
May we act with wisdom to mitigate its’ impact and bring hope and stability for all who are most affected.
This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Methodist Church in Britain is in touch with partners in the region and grants from the World Mission Fund for emergency support are in process.