Disaster relief efforts continue in South Africa, with rescue operations still being conducted in areas affected by the rain-induced floods by both government and non-government officials in KwaZulu Natal Province.
So far over 50 people have died in the floods which swept away both humans and property in the province.
Leading the mop-up operations, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Zweli Mkhize said disaster teams were in a race against time to rescue unaccounted for people, with mudslides and sinkholes having swallowed several homes.
“The extent of the damage in certain areas requires the expertise of engineers and others who are qualified to guide the process to repair all that has been damaged and rebuild what is damaged,” Mkhize said.
He urged communities to heed the call and tips from the authorities regarding the extreme weather conditions.
On their part, KwaZulu-Natal Province’s emergency services said they were working around the clock to minimise the impact of flooding on communities and provide assistance to victims.
NM/jn/APA