The South African Weather Service has issued a warning of disruptive rain in the southern parts of the province for Sunday afternoon.
Some rains were also forecast for Saturday. Over 400 people have died and 72 are still missing following the recent floods.
Forecaster Julius Mahlangu says, “In the afternoon, we are expected to see some isolated showers and thundershowers but scattered over the southern parts of the province including areas over Harry Gwala and Ugu which is where we have issued a yellow Level 2 disruptive rain which might lead to localised flooding of settlements as well as bridges and difficult driving conditions in those above mentioned municipality.”
Reconstruction of key infrastructure is expected to start after the mop-up operations are completed. It has been described as the worst flood disaster in the province’s history and far more severe than the floods of 1987 which left 60 people dead.
The unprecedented heavy rainfall over a number of days led to flooding, mudslides, and structural damage. Record rainfall figures were recorded in many parts of the province.
Experts warned that this was a sign of climate change. The province estimates that more than 100 000 people were affected, thousands of whom were left homeless and suffered damage to their properties.
SA Weather | Saturday 23 April 2022
Damages
Durban and surrounding areas were the worst affected. Early estimates indicate that the losses in the agricultural sector amount to at least R500 million.
Repairs to road infrastructure to move produce from farms were identified as one of the most urgent interventions. The provincial government said its main priority was to save lives and provide humanitarian assistance.
While recovery efforts continue, relief organisations, churches, and communities continue to assist those in need.
According to the government, work was being done to clear roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.
The container terminals in the port of Durban are operating at 60 to 100%.
Citrus exporters have welcomed the contingency plans made to allow trucks to access the harbour.
Power supply has been restored to some areas in the Ethekwini Metro, according to the latest reports. While water supply has been restored in some areas, municipalities are ensuring that emergency water supplies and water tankers reach areas where repairs are ongoing.
Below is the playlist of videos on the KZN and Eastern Cape floods:
Photo Gallery of the floods in KZN:
