INFOGRAPHIC: Parts of KZN most affected by the heavy rains

Heavy rains have left a trail of destruction in KwaZulu-Natal, with Disaster Management teams responding to various incidents around the clock.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal announced on Tuesday that 45 people had died as a result of the floods since the heavy rains began.

The incessant rains have also rendered roads unusable, with several roads closed due to mudslides and waterlogged ways.

In the eThekwini municipality, several communities converted halls into shelters for people whose homes were washed away.

Emergency officials reported cars having been swept away, with damages to businesses and homes.

According to the South African Weather services areas most affected by the heavy rains in KwaZulu Natal experienced rainfall of 100 mm and above.

Other areas have had continued rainfall which causes poor visibility, slippery roads and some mild mudslides however have not had rain to the extent of a disaster.

Parts of KZN most affected by the heavy rains:

Climate change

Experts say the current weather patterns being experienced in the province can be attributed to climate change, this as a true picture of the extent of damage caused by heavy rain in KZN is starting to emerge.

Director of the Centre for Water Resources Research at UKZN, Prof Jeff Smithers speaks to SABC News: