South Africa Flood Alerts Issued Only in English and Afrikaans

Flood warnings issued in parts of South Africa reached residents solely in English and Afrikaans.

The alerts failed to reach millions of people who speak minority or Indigenous languages. AllAfrica reported that smartphones, sirens, and digital screens delivered messages that stopped short for these groups.

Authorities issued warnings without translation into languages spoken by affected communities. Residents without English or Afrikaans proficiency could not act on the information during flooding events. The practice affects access to safety instructions at times when minutes matter for evacuation or protection.