At least 60 people have been confirmed killed as heavy rains and floods ravaged the eastern coast of South Africa, damaging roads and destroying houses.  

“Since yesterday on the 11th of April 2022, the Province of KwaZulu-Natal experienced what is one of the worst weather storms in the history of our country. The heavy rainfall that has descended on our land over the past few days, has wreaked untold havoc and unleashed massive damage to lives and infrastructure,” KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial government said on Facebook. 

Sipho Hlomuka, a member of the Executive Council for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, said people are being evacuated in areas that had affected by  “mudslides, flooding and structural collapses of buildings and roads,” 

“The heavy rains have affected power lines in many municipalities with technical teams working around the clock to restore power,” Mr Hlomuka said.

Durban’s port has been affected by the flood as terminals cannot be accessed. Operations at the port have now been suspended, according to state-owned logistics company Transnet. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa travelled to eThekwini on Wednesday morning and will be visit a number of areas that have been severely impacted by the heavy downpours. 

Mr Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Police Minister Bheki Cele.