South African Floods Kill at Least 18 People

AFP/APP

Johannesburg: At least 18 people have died due to flooding caused by torrential rain on South Africa’s eastern coast, local authorities reported on Tuesday.

In the Eastern Cape province, a spokesperson from Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, the epicenter of the floods, confirmed at least seven deaths to AFP. 

In the neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province, the provincial government reported at least 11 fatalities in and around the port city of Durban.

Over 2,000 individuals have been evacuated from Nelson Mandela Bay, especially from makeshift homes in the municipality’s slums. Local authorities have appealed for donations of clothing, food, and blankets.

KwaZulu-Natal provincial authorities have declared a state of alert. A statement from the provincial government indicated that “55 people suffered minor to moderate injuries and are receiving medical treatment in hospital. At least 120 people have been displaced, and three temporary shelters have been established,” it added.

Durban and its surrounding areas experienced the worst flooding in South Africa’s history in 2022, resulting in mudslides that killed over 400 people. Rescue services were deployed in both affected provinces on Monday night.

The floods have caused homes to be flattened, roads to be inundated, and trees to be uprooted. Some areas have experienced energy blackouts.

The national meteorological institute reports that South Africa is currently under the influence of a “cut-off low” pressure system, characterized by heavy rains and a cold snap, which can also bring hail, snow, and strong winds.

Heavy rainfall has impacted the eastern Indian Ocean coast, prompting meteorological services to issue weather alerts in four of the country’s nine provinces.