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KZN floods: Death toll sits at 435, while 54 people still missing
Premier Sihle Zikalala says 17 438 homes were ravaged by the KZN floods, which affected more than 121 000 people
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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala says relief efforts will continue in the province, in the wake of the floods which have caused great havoc. In addition, the number of those killed remains 435, a figure which had to be revised from 448 in the previous week.
Zikalala gave an update on the provincial government’s response to the heavy downpours’ impact. At least 54 people remain unaccounted for at this point.
“The greatest cost of this disaster has been in infrastructure which has been destroyed. As we rebuild the physical environment around us, we must accept that it will take longer and a much more nuanced programme for us to rebuild and restore hope and trust among the victims and the survivors,” he said.
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ZIKALALA: MORE THAN 17 000 HOMES DESTROYED IN KZN
Sihle Zikalala also said that 17 438 homes in KZN were ravaged by the floods, which affected well over 121 000 people in the province. At least 6 200 people have been left destitute, while another 55 were injured as a result of the disaster.
“The number of those who remain in shelters is 7245 people in eThekwini, 245 people in KwaDukuza shelters and the rest in Umzumbe Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni. While at the shelter residents receive mattresses, hot meals and vanity packs which are being provided by SASSA, DSD and NGOs,” Zikalala also said.
The premier has expressed his gratitude to people and the Mpumalanga province after they donated aid including blankets and mattresses for victims of the floods.
“We also wish to thank SASOL for donations in support of the effected families.As we indicated earlier, many families have started laying to rest the remains of their loved ones. A Task Team has been established to coordinate support provided by government to bereaved families and those affected by the disaster in various municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal. Allied to that a Disaster Burial Policy was adopted by the Provincial Executive Council on 17 April 2022,” Zikalala added.
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