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The government has declared the flooding in KwaZulu Natal a provincial disaster as the death toll reached a reported 259 on Wednesday.
The Head of the National Disaster Management Centre, Dr Mmaphaka Tau, said the classification of the floods as a provincial disaster follows the recommendation and assessments done by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre.
President Cyril Ramaphosa joined KZN Premier, Sihle Zikalala, and MPLs on visits to disaster-hit areas across Durban.
“The death toll has significantly increased and stands at 259 across the province,” said Cooperative Governance MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, in a statement late Wednesday afternoon.
“We join the families in mourning the lives that we have lost as a result of the heavy rains,” said.
Hlomuka also said that the inclement weather was expected to continue over the Easter Weekend which could cause more flooding and landslides.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said the disaster was “obviously part of climate change.”
He said South Africa could no longer postpone what needs to be done to deal with climate change. The President also said that the country’s disaster management capability needs to be at a higher level.
Hlomuka said the KZN Provincial government was working with the National Government to ensure relief is provided to all those affected by the floods.
The National Sea Rescue Institute, which had assisted in numerous rescues and evacuations appealed to the public not to cross flooded rivers or waterways and not to drive across flooded bridges.
“This has been the biggest mass rescue operation we have faced in recent history,” said spokesperson, Craig Lambinon.
