The death toll from floods in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in eastern South Africa has risen to 253, Nomagugu Simelane, member of the KwaZulu-Natal State Health Executive Board, said.
Since the beginning of the week, one of the largest cities in the country, Durban, and its surrounding areas have been hit by powerful downpours. The level of precipitation reached a record 300 mm per sq. km. meter. The incessant rains provoked floods and landslides.
As a result of the rampant disaster, hundreds of residential buildings were damaged, and shipments from the largest port of Durban were suspended.
The Road Transport Association of South Africa reported on the fight against looting, trying to seize trucks stuck on the roads.