By: Natasha Archary
The death toll from the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) floods has climbed to 60, with scores more people still missing. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has declared the province a disaster area.
With more rains expected in KZN throughout the Easter weekend, authorities warn the devastation is far from over.
Non-stop heavy rains have wrecked havoc on the coastal areas in KZN, causing damage to roads, infrastructure, homes and businesses.
Severe landslides have washed away bridges and roads have completely collapsed, in what is being dubbed the worst floods to hit the province since 2017.
Road Safety and Flood Risks for Drivers and Pedestrians https://t.co/KGctJvBoYt #ArriveAlive #KZNFlooding @ReenvalSA @SAWeatherServic pic.twitter.com/xEdEHK8gGj
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 12, 2022
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit affected areas in the province on Wednesday, 13 April, to assess government’s response to this critical situation.
The President said: “This is a tragic toll of the force of nature and this situation calls for an effective response by government in partnership with communities.
“This situation calls on us to come together as a nation and offer assistance to those who desperately need our care and support.”
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service has escalated the Orange Level 8 warning issued for KZN on Tuesday, to an Orange Level 9 warning.
Overnight rainfall in the flood-hit province has meant that over the past 24-hours more than 200 mm of rain was reported.
However, the unusual rain patterns is not due to a tropical cyclone but a cut-off low pressure system which is bringing prolonged periods of rain.
Early morning forecasts suggests another round of potentially strong thunderstorms with heavy downpours in both Gauteng and KZN over the Easter weekend.
As received- A house in KZN barely hanging on… #KZNFlooding #KZNFloods pic.twitter.com/tvKDBQcQMU
— Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) April 12, 2022
Please include Port St John's when you are praying for #KZNFlooding pic.twitter.com/iRbz6S0wsk
— Minister of Potholes 𓃵 (@LindisiphoDiko) April 13, 2022
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