Storm on the east coast: 59 dead after heavy rain in South Africa

At least 59 people have died after heavy rains in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province and many more are missing. There is no relief in sight: meteorologists expect further “extreme” rainfall.

It has been raining in South Africa’s eastern coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal for days. According to the authorities, 59 people died as a result of flooding and landslides. The number could rise, because many people are missing.

The storm caused “unspeakable devastation and massive damage,” the provincial government said. The port city of Durban and the surrounding areas were hardest hit. More than 2,000 houses and 4,000 huts were damaged, said the provincial head of government, Sihle Zikalala. Several bridges also collapsed and cars were swept away by the floods.

Meteorologists warn of further severe flooding

Some streets of Durban were so badly flooded that only the tops of the traffic lights were sticking out of the water. The power supply in the city was also interrupted in some places, said Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda. According to media reports, there was also looting: TV showed people stealing goods from a freight container.

For rescue operations, the army was called to help. It should support evacuations from the air. There are no signs of an easing of the situation: the meteorologists predicted further “extreme” rainfall and “extensive flooding”. South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa plans to visit KwaZulu-Natal today.