Photo :webshot. 

April 19, 2022

Anna Murray 

Flooding and heavy rains wreaked havoc on South Africa's eastern coast, killing hundreds and destroying homes and infrastructure. The coastal metropolis of Durban was flooded in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Roads began to crack and deep fissures appeared. The collapse of a massive cargo container stacked into muddy waters. After a bridge collapsed, people were trapped on both sides.

Officials evacuated areas affected by mudslides, flooding, and building and road structural collapses. The government, churches, and charities were working together to coordinate relief efforts for the nearly 40,000 people who had been displaced by the floodwaters. At least 443 people were killed in floods that ravaged South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, according to an official, while rescuers searched for dozens more in the southeastern coastal region.

The government has declared a state of emergency throughout the country. Following the devastating floods that swept through parts of KwaZulu-Natal province, the South African military has announced the deployment of over 10,000 troops to aid in relief and rescue operations. Furthermore, in an address to the nation on April 18 evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a series of measures aimed at assisting those affected and resuming reconstruction efforts.