The number of people who have been confirmed dead following the devastating downpours in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has risen to 341. Image: Twitter/KZNfloods
JUST IN: 341 dead and over 40 000 affected by KZN floods
The death toll in KZN has risen to 341 due to the recent floods that caused huge damage to properties, infrastructure and businesses.
The number of people who have been confirmed dead following the devastating downpours in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has risen to 341. Image: Twitter/KZNfloods
The death toll due to the recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has climbed to 341, according to Premier Sihle Ziklalala.
Zikalala held a briefing to provide updates about the impact of the floods on Thursday night.
KZN FLOODS: DEATH TOLL INCREASES
During the briefing Zikalala said as of Thursday night a total of 40 723 people have been affected. They are also still busy tallying up the number of missing people.
Sadly, 341 fatalities have been recorded. Deaths per district in KZN:
EThekwini – 301
Ugu – 6
UMzinyathi – 2
King Cetshwayo – 4
Ilembe – 28
Zikalala said both the timing and severity of the floods suggest that we live in times of ecological imbalance linked to climate change and environmental degradation.
“This is having far reaching implications for us as a developing province and country. Not only are we experiencing more disasters, but we are also having them in rapid succession,” Zikalala said.
MORE RAIN EXPECTED THIS WEEKEND
More torrential rain is heading towards the province over the Easter weekend. The SA Weather Service (SAWS) issued a yellow level 4 rain warning for KZN.
A cut-off, low depression system is forming on the east coast, and with that strong winds and heavy rainfall is expected before the end of the public holidays. The KZN floods, it seems, are not done yet.
According to the weather service, a cold front is expected to pass through KZN on Friday afternoon and it will be followed by a ridging high-pressure system with a steep upper trough.
“Strong south-westerly winds, as well as scattered showers and thundershowers, are expected, becoming widespread on Saturday.
“Considering that the soil is saturated, drainage systems are blocked and river banks have burst, the persistent rain over the weekend may result in further impacts.”
SAWS
