Death toll from floods in South Africa rises to 443

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - The death toll from devastating floods in the eastern coastal South African province of KwaZulu-Natal has risen to 443, the provincial premier announced late Sunday.

Sihle Zikalala said in a virtual media briefing that 63 people remained missing as rescue efforts continued.

Unusually heavy rains which began almost a week ago in parts of KwaZulu-Natal have destroyed homes, infrastructure and water and electricity supplies in most districts of the province.

The province estimates that the overall infrastructural damage is at over 10 billion South African rand ($682.7 million).

Officials say this is the country’s worst natural disaster in over 30 years.

Zikalala said the Department of Social Development together with the affected municipalities were providing food parcels to flood victims.

He said they had also provided tents as temporary shelters, blankets and mattresses among other items.

Zikalala said the Department of Social Services was contributing 1,900 South African rand ($130) for each burial, which excludes funding to be made available by the local government and municipalities.​​​​​​​

The health department said it is on high alert for fear of an outbreak of waterborne diseases such as cholera, malaria and diarrhea.