On Monday 11 April, the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) was hit by torrential rain that carried through to the late hours of Tuesday 12 April. The heavy downpour resulted in mass flooding on an extreme level, wrecking the lives of thousands as it affected all races and sectors of society. The floods have destroyed billions of rands worth of infrastructure. From informal housing to major factories such as the Toyota manufacturer. While the current death toll is sitting at over 300 individuals.
Rising death toll
On Tuesday 12 April, MEC Sipho Hlomuka reported the loss of 45 lives but added that the number would most likely rise as more reports come in.
By Wednesday afternoon, the death toll had risen to over 200. With countless people missing as individuals are washed away by fast-moving water and crushed or trapped by crumbling infrastructure.
This morning, Thursday 14 April, the province faces a death toll of over 300 as officials continue to receive reports of incidents.
Havoc unleashed
KZN is in a state of complete turmoil. While the death toll rises the province faces multiple other issues. Along with billions of rands of crumbling government infrastructure, there has been severe damage to enterprises such as the washing away of hundreds of containers. Not to mention the destruction of the homes and personal property of residents.
KZN will also most likely be facing water shortages as the municipal framework collapses. Plus, widespread unplanned power outages may soon follow. Although Eskom CEO Andre De Ruyter says they have arranged to suspend load-shedding in the eThekwini district for the time being. The floods have also caused disruptions in communications, with repairs needed for over 500 MTN sites.
To add to the chaos, there are more bizarre reports, such as the five crocodiles washed away from a farm. Or the skeletons which are washing into the streets after a mudslide at Ntuzuma Cemetery.
Bones washed onto the street from Ntuzuma Cemetery. Images from @EdgarMathulwe on Twitter.
Stay safe
Social media is abuzz with tragic stories. With countless photos of children who have drowned, videos of people trying to cross water and being swept away, images of residents trapped under rubble and more.
For your own safety, do not attempt any water crossings. Avoid travel and try to stay in a safe, secure location. Should you need to be in an affected area, remain permanently alert. Be aware of dangers such as flowing water, collapsing infrastructure and sinkholes. Do not take chances, your life is not worth it.