- After the floods in South Africa as a result of heavy rainfall, the number of deaths continues to rise.
- So far, according to the head of government of the KwaZulu-Natal region, 443 dead have been recovered and 63 more are still missing.
- In the affected coastal province, the clean-up work began at the weekend.
KwaZulu-Natal Prime Minister Sihle Zikalala said it was one of the worst floods in the province’s history. He expressed his condolences to the affected families. President Cyril Ramaphosa had previously postponed a working visit to Saudi Arabia in view of the situation in the province.
floods and mudslides
While the clean-up and rescue work continued, the rescue workers were on call at the weekend due to further rain. According to the authorities, attempts were made to restore the water and electricity supply in all affected areas.
Since last Monday, heavy rains have wreaked havoc in the province. The metropolis of Durban was hit by floods and mudslides. The water masses devastated houses, flooded settlements, tore down roads and left thousands of people without shelter. Many of those affected are in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
consequences of climate change
The port of Durban, one of Africa’s largest cargo ports, was closed until further notice. Some areas had neither electricity nor running water. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the region a disaster area.
The coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal, on the Indian Ocean, is one of the country’s most important holiday destinations and had actually already prepared for the traditional Easter rush of domestic and foreign tourists. And the prospects for the future are not very edifying either: According to scientists, the south-eastern coast of Africa could suffer more from the consequences of climate change in the future.