Death toll approaches 400 from floods in South Africa

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - The death toll jumped Friday to 395 from floods in South Africa’s eastern coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Provincial Minister in charge of Cooperative Governance Sipho Hlomuka confirmed the number.

Provincial premier Sihle Zikalala said search and rescue operations have intensified after dozens of people were still missing days after the disaster struck.

The unusually heavy rains began days ago in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, leading to massive floods that have wreaked havoc in the country’s most popular holiday destination ahead of the Easter holidays.

Zikalala said 40,723 people have been affected by the floods which have also destroyed infrastructure disrupting transport, water supply, electricity and schooling among others.

“The level of devastation of human life, infrastructure, and the service delivery network in the province is unprecedented,” said Zikalala.

Officials said it is the country’s worst natural disaster in more than 30 years.