@kzngov
KwaZulu Natal Premier, Sihle Zikalala, says his executive will be calling for the province to be declared a national disaster.
The call came on Sunday, six days into the flood disaster which he said ranks as one of the worst catastrophes to hit KZN for a long time.
Zikalala said the loss of life, destruction of homes, and damage to infrastructure and public buildings and services combined, make this one of the worst in recorded history in the province and will surpass the 1987 flood disaster.
The Premier announced that the death toll stood at 443, with a reported 63 people still missing. 13 000 households were affected.
In his update, Zikakala said KZN was making progress in the recovery from the Covid19 pandemic, but he said everything has been reversed.
The past two days have been focused on rescue missions and saving lives. While this continues, work to lift people out of the rubble is being intensified.
Premier Zikakala said the Provincial Executive met and resolved to ask the government to review the Provincial Disaster declaration and consider declaring the province a National Disaster.
The Department of Human Settlements has already made R1bn available for the recovery of damaged housing structures.
Zikalala said on Tuesday the provincial MEC will identify land for the temporary relocation of affected communities.
He said billions would be required to rebuild KZN.
