Death toll rises to 60 after flood hits South Africa

Floods and mudslides in the city of Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa have killed at least 60 people.

It was gathered that more than 1,000 people have been homeless according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who flew into the region to visit the affected areas.

The violent floods destroyed businesses, homes and at least two universities while hundreds of people have been displaced.

Read also: Islamic State claims responsibility for Sri Lanka bombings

The president laid a garland at a place where seven died. He was also seen pushing away his bodyguards who tried to block people from talking to him.

“It was important to come and see what has happened. We pass our condolences to the families of those who have died in this disaster. We are saddened by what has happened here. The loss of life is never easy, especially when so unexpected,” he said.

However, several people have been taken to hospital while search and rescue teams are looking for more survivors under the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now