The death toll caused by the floods in KwaZulu-Natal has risen to 341, KwaZulu-Natal premier Sihle Zikalala said on Thursday evening
The eThekwini metropolitan municipality was hardest hit, with 301 deaths recorded. Ugu on the south coast recorded six, Umzinytathi two, King Cetshwayo four and iLembe 28. About 55 injuries have been registered.
Zikalala said more than 40,000 people have been affected by the floods, with 248 schools damaged.
He said the cost of the damage will definitely “run into billions of rand” while a full assessment is still to be made.
The priority for the government, said Zikalala, is to ensure that affected families get support and shelter, are provided with food and clothing, while the bereaved will be helped to bury their loved ones.
Another priority is to clear the roads and restore water and electricity services. “Experts will then begin a detailed assessment, which will quantify the figures and the resources needed,” Zikalala said.
He said power had been restored to most of eThekwini, while three substations remained off due to extensive damage.
The Tongaat water works suffered serious damage and the municipality will be deploying more water tankers and is currently procuring a package plant that will be able to supply water.
Zikalala said Umgeni Water and the department of co-operative governance and traditional affairs has committed to help with additional water tankers.
The province’s road network has also suffered extensive damage. “We have proceeded with emergency work to clear roads and return access to highways, such as the N2, N3 and other important networks. More areas are becoming accessible.”
He said one of the roads that had been closed was used for the movement of cargo in and out of the Durban container terminal. “Its closure will have an impact on economic activities,” with trucks are unable to access the terminal.
“On the N3 to Durban, two lanes have been closed around Camperdown for cleanup. Delays continue on the N3 around the Mariannhill toll plaza. Priority is also given to township roads where the entry and exit points have been cut off because roads and bridges have been damaged,” he said.
He called on people living near rivers and wetlands to move to higher lying areas as more rain is expected over the weekend.
He implored “people not to take risks crossing rivers. All of us have seen what can happen”.
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