LISTEN: Premier says 70 killed, flood damage stands at R1-billion

LISTEN: Premier says 70 killed, flood damage stands at R1-billion

Premier Willies Mchunu says the death toll from last week's storms has risen to 70 - following the recovery of another flood victim in Mariannhill yesterday.

Premier Willies Mchunu gives update on KZN Floods
Nushera Soodyal

He's given an update in Durban on the impact of the floods and relief efforts.

Mchunu says two people remain missing and over 1400 (1469) have been displaced.

He says there's also been serious damage to homes and infrastructure.

"This disaster also caused massive damage to infrastructure - both public and private that's railways, roads and houses. Some of them were full of furniture and personal property," he said.

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The Premier says the estimated damage in the province stands at R1,1-billion. 

Mchunu says a task team has been appointed to coordinate support to victims.

He says the provincial cabinet has also asked national government to declare a state of disaster in the province. 

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The premier has thanked a those who've given their time, money and other resources to help in the aftermath of the floods. 

"We have also received a lot of support from various NGOs and private sector institutions which have partnered with government and volunteered their staff to distribute immediate help to many citizens in their hour of need," he adds. 

"We would like to specifically thank the thousands of volunteers who gathered on Durban beaches over the weekend to clear the plastic debris washed by the storm."  

Listen to the Premier's full update below. 

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