04.14.2022 22:21 (Akt. 04.14.2022 22:30)
The storm disaster in South Africa left many homeless ©APA/AFP
The number of casualties following a storm disaster in South Africa’s coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal continues to rise. At least 341 people have died because of the exceptionally heavy rain, the regional government said on Thursday. A few hours earlier, authorities had reported 306 dead. The numbers are provisional, many people are still missing. The storm is considered the worst severe weather disaster ever recorded in South Africa.
Since the rains began earlier this week, several roads have been destroyed, bridges toppled and houses collapsed. The port of the regional capital, Durban, one of Africa’s largest cargo ports, is closed until further notice. Thousands of people depend on emergency shelters and humanitarian aid. Some areas do not have electricity or running water.
The coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal, on the Indian Ocean, is one of the most important holiday destinations in the country and, in fact, has already prepared itself for the traditional Easter rush of domestic and foreign tourists.