THE death toll in the catastrophic floods in KwaZulu-Natal has risen to 395, according to Nomagugu Simelane, who confirmed the latest figures.
Most of the fatalities are from the eThekwini metro.
Cooperative governance and traditional affairs MEC Sipho Hlomuka said on Friday that 40,723 people were affected by the heavy rain which affected the province this week.
“Sadly, the number of fatalities continues to increase with the latest figure standing at 395, with eThekwini at 355, Ugu at six, uMzinyathi at two, King Cetshwayo at four and Ilembe at 28,” said Hlomuka.
The MEC said while authorities were focused on relief efforts, more rain was expected over large parts of the province so disaster management teams were on high alert.
“According to the SA Weather Service warning we received, damaging winds are forecast for areas along the coast from midday today into Saturday evening. Disruptive rain is forecast for eThekwini, KwaDukuza, Mkhambathini, Ndwedwe, Ray Nkonyeni, uMdoni and uMzumbe from today until Saturday night.”
KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala has assured the public that they would intervene in affected communities with “food supplies, vouchers, blankets and other necessities”.
Zikalala said the floods had affected basic services such as water and electricity in various areas across the region.
“The large scale of the damage needs all hands on deck, we will do everything in our power to restore service delivery and assist everyone that has been affected by this disaster,” said Zikalala.
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