KZN weather-related death toll increases to 7
On Friday, search and rescue teams recovered the body of a school pupil who was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded river.
Severe rains have brought down walls and damaged property in and around Durban. Picture: Nhlanhla Mabaso/EWN.
DURBAN - The death toll from weather-related incidents in KwaZulu-Natal has risen to seven as mop-up operations continue in the province.
On Friday, search and rescue teams recovered the body of a school pupil who was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded river.
Six other people died earlier this week in Durban as a result of structural collapses.
READ: Death toll rises to 6 in eThekwini following heavy rains
“Disaster management teams have been deployed by MEC Buthelezi to start mop-up operations. Several towns, including Durban, Ladysmith, and Newcastle, have experienced flooding, affecting roads and infrastructure" said Cooperative governance spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila.
Mzila said the province has begun rolling out relief efforts.
"Affected communities are receiving support from the provincial government, working with social partners and line function departments. These departments, including human settlements and social development."
The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government says it has yet to determine the cost of damages caused by recent harsh weather conditions.
Heavy rains have destroyed over 30 homes and claimed six lives in Durban alone.
Public infrastructure including roads and a clinic have been severely impacted and will require serious repair work.
Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma visited the affected areas.
"At this point and time we are not going to declare it because once you declared it, you might find that it’s no longer declared as a disaster national.