logo
ADVERTISEMENT

More than 50 dead in South Africa after heavy rains

President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit affected communities in both provinces.

image
by reuters

Health24 April 2019 - 11:54
ADVERTISEMENT

In Summary


• Rescue workers were digging through collapsed homes and other buildings in coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal province.

• Some major roads in and around the port city of Durban were closed on Wednesday, local media reported.

Vehicles and debris are scattered after massive flooding in Amanzimtoti, near Durban, South Africa April 23, 2019 in this picture obtained from social media on April 24, 2019.

More than 50 people were killed in southern and eastern parts of South Africa after heavy rains caused flooding and mudslides, authorities said on Wednesday.

Rescue workers were digging through collapsed homes and other buildings in coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal province, where the death toll stood at 51, local officials said.

The region has been hit by heavy rains for days, but authorities did not anticipate the extent of the downpour late on Monday, said Lennox Mabaso, a spokesman for the provincial Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs department.

"As a result there was flooding and some structures were undermined and collapsed on people," Mabaso said adding some people were swept away by the water.

People look at damaged houses after heavy rains caused flooding in Marianhill, South Africa, April 23, 2019.

Multiple dwellings and houses collapsed in the mudslides, said KwaZulu-Natal Emergency Medical Services spokesman Robert McKenziSome major roads in and around the port city of Durban were closed on Wednesday, local media reported.e.

Some major roads in and around the port city of Durban were closed on Wednesday, local media reported.

Flooding also killed at least three people in the Eastern Cape province, state broadcaster SABC said on Wednesday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit communities in both provinces, his office said on Twitter on Wednesday.

Last week, 13 people were killed during an Easter service in KwaZulu-Natal when a church wall collapsed after days of heavy rains and strong winds.

(Reporting by Tanisha Heiberg and Olivia Kumwenda-mtambo; Editing by Alexandra Zavis and Janet Lawrence)

Love Health? Stay Connected!

Be part of an exclusive group of enthusiasts! Get fresh content, expert advice and exciting updates in your inbox with our health newsletter.

ADVERTISEMENT