South African military sent to KwaZulu-Natal province to clean up flood damage

• The South African National Defence Force has sent 10,000 troops to help with relief efforts in KwaZulu-Natal province
• The province has seen more than 440 people die in floods and mudslides, with 63 people missing
• The troops will help with tasks such as mop-up work, transportation and provide medical support and helicopters for rescue missions
• The floods have left thousands homeless and have knocked out power and water services, disrupting one of Africa’s busiest ports, Durban.

The South African military has been deployed to help with relief efforts in KwaZulu-Natal province, where more than 440 people have died in floods and mudslides.

A week after heavy rain began, the South African National Defence Force has been instructed to send 10,000 troops.

The troops will help with tasks such as mop-up work, transportation and provide medical support and helicopters for rescue missions.

Heavy rains and floods have hit the province of KwaZulu-Natal. 10 people are missing and 2 have died over the weekend as a result of these floods.

Properties have been damaged; cars have been swept and rivers have overflown.#KZNFloods#getitrightwithrea pic.twitter.com/IPVOQHqOhb

— Get it Right With Rea (@GetitRightRea) April 12, 2022

President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a televised speech that his cabinet had declared a national state of disaster.

The floods have left thousands homeless and have knocked out power and water services, disrupting one of Africa’s busiest ports, Durban.

THREAD| The Public Protector South Africa (PPSA) is saddened by the humanitarian disaster that has befallen the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), claiming hundreds of lives while leaving many homeless and without basic supplies. pic.twitter.com/NgtHPttyX9

— Public Protector SA (@PublicProtector) April 13, 2022

A provincial economic official has estimated the overall infrastructure damage at more than 10 billion rand (A$924.5 million).

The province’s premier, Sihle Zikalala, said the death toll had risen to 443, with a further 63 people missing.

Mr Zikalala said that nearly 4000 homes have been destroyed and more than 8000 were damaged with the majority of the damage in the coastal city of Durban and its surrounding areas.