DURBAN, Apr 13 (AFP): The death toll from floods and mudslides after rainstorms struck the South African port city of Durban and surrounding areas in KwaZulu-Natal province has climbed to 250, authorities said on Tuesday.
The country's meteorologists forecasted more "disruptive" rains on the way Tuesday night but expected the "rainfall system" to weaken "considerably" on Wednesday.
"Many people lost their lives with Ethekwini (Durban metro) alone reporting 45," while in iLembe district "more than 14 ...have tragically lost their lives," the provincial government said in a statement.
It said the disaster "wreaked untold havoc and unleashed massive damage to lives and infrastructure" affecting all races and classes from rural areas, townships to luxury estates.
"This is a tragic toll of the force of nature and this situation calls for an effective response by government," said President Cyril Ramaphosa who is to visit Durban on Wednesday.
African Union Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed "sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones following heavy flooding" via Twitter.
Days of driving rain flooded several areas, tore houses apart and ravaged infrastructure across the southeastern city, while landslides forced train services to be suspended.
S Africa floods toll rises to 250
FE Team | Published: April 13, 2022 21:18:38
S Africa floods toll rises to 250
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