Rescuers searched for dozens of people still missing in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province on Sunday after heavy rains in recent days triggered floods and mudslides that have killed more than 440 people.
The floods have left thousands homeless, knocked out power and water services and disrupted operations at one of Africa’s busiest ports, Durban.
A provincial economic official estimated the overall infrastructure damage at more than R10 billion ($684.6 million).
In some of the worst-affected areas, residents said they were terrified by the thought of more rain, which was forecast to fall on Sunday. Some faced an agonising wait for news of missing loved ones.
“We haven’t lost hope. Although we are constantly worried as (the) days continue,” Sbongile Mjoka, a resident of Sunshine village in the eThekwini municipality whose 8-year-old nephew has been missing for days.
In a nearby semi-rural area, three members of the Sibiya family were killed when the walls of the room where they slept collapsed and 4-year-old Bongeka Sibiya is still missing.
“Everything is a harsh reminder of what we lost, and not being able to find (Bongeka) is devastating because we can’t grieve or heal. At this stage we are left feeling empty,” Lethiwe Sibiya, 33, told Reuters.
KZN Premier Zikalala told a televised briefing that the floods were among the worst in his province’s recorded history.
“We need to summon our collective courage and turn this devastation into an opportunity to rebuild our province,” he said. “The people of KwaZulu-Natal will rise from this mayhem.”
KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala holds a media briefing on efforts to assist flood victims:
Meanwhile, families of people, who were washed away by floods in Durban, have called on the government to bring more members of search and rescue teams.
Search and Rescue teams from other provinces have been roped in to assist.
The family of 53-year-old Msawakhe Dlamini who was washed away by floods at Ndlanzi north of Durban, says they want search and rescue teams to come and search for his body.
The bodies of eight people have been found in ward 43 in Lindelani alone, while four other people are still missing.
Ntokozo Dlamini says his uncle was washed away by floods while he was trying to cross over to a nearby house.
“He was crossing over and the heavy current of water blew him away but the issue here is that the person has not been found and we need assistance, a rescue team to come and help us.”
KZN Floods | Gift of the Givers involved in search and recovery mission:
