(The Post News)– The KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli said he has been engaging with the presidency in a bid to secure funds to assist flood victims. KZN has been hit by terrible and destructive rainfall since the evening of March 15, which has led to loss of lives and damaged infrastructure.
Ntuli, accompanied by EThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, visited Inanda, Nhlungwana and Lamontville, which were mostly affected by the recent torrential rains that hit the region, claimed three lives, and left over thousands of families displaced. Speaking to the media, the premier said that the damage is estimated to be around R1 billion.
Ntuli stated that he spoke with the president, who offered financial assistance by contacting the appropriate departments to see if they might provide assistance. According to the eThekwini municipality, some of the victims have been relocated to family-friendly accommodation in the inner city. They also said that as of 19 February to 15 March, the recurring floods have claimed lives in eThekwini. Close to 6000 people and 1452 houses have been affected.
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Services (SAWS) has warned that the severe rainfall in KZN regions will continue. Moreover, the SAWS has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for Gauteng, Northern Cape, Free State and the North West. A Yellow Level 4 for the south coast of KZN, which includes Richards Bay and Durban, was also issued.
According to SAWS, the Yellow Level 2 warning will bring heavy rain, isolated flooding, strong damaging gusts, abundant lightning, and hail. SAWS further warned that the coast’s Yellow Level 4 will flood roads and bridges and cause low-lying areas to be flooded.
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