South Africa has deployed soldiers to assist with rescue and relief efforts in the aftermath of last week’s deadly floods that have claimed more than 440 lives in KwaZulu-Natal province, the army announced on Monday.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said in a statement that it was deploying more than 10,000 troops to help with relief and rescue operations operations as well as assist in transporting aid to victims.
It said among the deployed soldiers would be army plumbers and electricians who would assist in areas that have been without water and electricity for the past week, while SANDF engineers would help in rebuilding infrastructure such as roads and bridges that has collapsed..
Nearly 4,000 homes have been destroyed while more than 8,000 were damaged, most in the coastal city of Durban and its surrounding areas.
Search and rescue efforts are continuing for more than 60 people who are unaccounted for following what officials have described as the worst floods to ever hit KwaZulu-Natal.
The government has declared the province a disaster area.
JN/APA