Heavy rains in Luanda have triggered a humanitarian crisis, leaving at least 30 dead and hundreds homeless as flooding devastated the municipalities of Cazenga, Viana, and Kilamba Kiaxi.

Footage from Tuesday shows the capital's streets and homes submerged in muddy floodwaters, with residents using buckets to bail out water amid widespread property damage.

One of the affected residents, Maria Nunes, said, "We were flooded – all the houses from the inside. It is necessary for you to take bathtubs and start removing the water outside; it's really a great suffering."

Another resident, Nelson Adriano, said, "It's a lot of suffering during the rainy season. This neighbourhood is in bad condition. The houses are flooded – the bedrooms, the living room, the kitchen. It is necessary to relocate families elsewhere because of the suffering caused by the water." Adriano added that "this shouldn't exist. We have administrators, we have a governor, and we even have the president. So why don't they see this?"

Luanda struggles with old drainage systems blocked by solid waste, leaving the city unable to handle heavy rainfall.

Authorities have launched an 'emergency plan' to clear drainage channels, but residents have criticised the measures as 'temporary' and 'too slow'.

Official reports confirm over 30 deaths from drowning, electrocution, or collapsed homes caused by flash flooding. The devastation has paralysed traffic, destroyed infrastructure, and hindered rescue efforts in informal settlements.

Governor Luís Nunes visited affected areas to assess the damage as residents continue to demand immediate relocation, humanitarian aid, and long-term solutions to end the annual 'season of death'.