After one of South Africa’s worst storm disasters, around 10,000 troops are expected to arrive in the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday to help with rescue and cleanup work.
At least 448 people died in the floods and landslides last week. Dozens are still missing. President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a national state of emergency.
According to authorities, about 40,000 people were displaced by the floods. In KwaZulu-Natal, up to 400 millimeters of rain per square meter fell in 24 hours – as much as usual throughout the year. Some areas still do not have electricity or running water. The Port of Durban, one of Africa’s largest cargo ports, is closed until further notice. According to Ramaphosa, the damage is expected to amount to hundreds of millions of euros. Houses, roads, bridges, 630 schools and 84 health centers were damaged.
After days of violent protests and looting in July 2021, the Indian Ocean province had to deal with damage in the millions. It is one of the most important holiday destinations in the country and in fact has already prepared itself for numerous national and foreign tourists.