Torrential KZN rain claims at least 6 lives, destroys 139 homes
Disaster management officials have confirmed that six people lost their lives when torrential rains battered parts of KZN leading to flooding in some areas this week.
The victims were from the Umkhanyakude, King Cetshwayo, Umzinyathi and Amajuba districts.
They include siblings, Nkonzo and Nomathemba Buthelezi from Dundee and a three-month-old baby from Newcastle.
READ: Govt declares national disaster as floods kill 7
The Department of Cooperative Governance in KZN’s Nonala Ndlovu says 139 homes have been washed away, while 158 more were partially damaged.
Two people are still missing.
"In terms of public infrastructure, roads and bridges across the province have been mostly affected. This includes both gravel and black-top road,” says Ndlovu.
ALSO READ: AgriSA: Disaster declaration due to flooding must ensure deployment of resources
"The total cost of the damages is still being compiled working together with various organs of state. The president's proclamation of a state of national disaster will allow affected institutions to reprioritize their finances in order to better respond to the immediate issues presented by the devastation caused by heavy rains.
"The department continues to engage all stakeholders in a bid to look for long-term solutions to spatial planning-related issues that have resulted in recurring incidents in some of the areas."
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