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After the destruction in South Africa’s coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal caused by unusually heavy rain, the number of victims has continued to rise. At least 253 people died because of the storm, provincial health minister Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu said on Wednesday. A few hours earlier, the authorities had spoken of 59 dead.
The figures are provisional because many people are still missing. The military was also mobilized to provide disaster relief. The storm is considered the worst severe weather disaster on record in South Africa. The rescue work was difficult because many roads were washed away and bridges were torn down by the water masses. The situation was also complicated because of the failure of hundreds of radio masts due to landslides and a dilapidated infrastructure. The port in Durban, one of the largest cargo ports in Africa, had to be temporarily closed. Thousands of people were dependent on emergency shelters due to collapsed houses.
Numerous traffic routes remained flooded on Wednesday. Television images showed private boat owners trying to reach desperate people at their homes despite flooded streets to aid government rescue efforts.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the flooded areas on Wednesday, spoke to affected families and promised them government support. “Even if your heart hurts, we are here for you,” said Ramaphosa. According to the authorities, the damage caused by the storm should amount to several million euros.
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.
Source: Nachrichten
