Heavy flood claims 45 lives in South Africa
By Bisola Adeyemo
No fewer than 45 people have been reportedly killed by flood in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province following heavy rains.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs spokesperson Nonala Ndlovu told journalists on Tuesday morning.
According to the Kwazulu-Natal Member of the Executive Council for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Sipho Hlomuka, the heavy rains have affected power lines in many municipalities.
“Our teams are still collating the extent of the damage so far. Disaster management teams have been evacuating people in areas that have experienced mudslides, flooding, and structural collapses of buildings and roads,” he said.
He said soldiers have been invited to assist in evacuating those marooned by the water.
“Residents in areas that are on higher ground are urged to open up their homes for their neighbors who are stranded as a result of the flooding caused by the heavy rains. Many roads are blocked and residents are requested to avoid unnecessary journeys,” he added.