Severe Weather Causes Tragedy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Severe weather in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, resulted in 22 fatalities and damages estimated at 3.1 billion rand. A National State of Disaster has been declared to coordinate response and recovery efforts, with warnings for further rainfall pending.
In late February, severe weather events led to the loss of 22 lives and substantial destruction across KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, a provincial government official, made this announcement, highlighting the situation’s urgency. This turmoil, occurring from February 16 to 28, resulted in estimated damages totaling about 3.1 billion rand (approximately 170 million U.S. dollars).
Buthelezi noted that the inclement weather inflicted widespread damage to both public infrastructure and private property, severely disrupting essential services, including water and electricity. In response to these challenges, he welcomed the National Disaster Management Center’s (NDMC) declaration of a National State of Disaster in the province.
The declaration is intended to enhance support measures, implement contingency protocols, and facilitate the rollout of a multi-sectoral relief and rehabilitation plan aimed at mitigating the disaster’s impact. Buthelezi reassured residents that there would be diligent collaboration with the NDMC and various municipalities to ensure effective response and recovery efforts.
As additional rainfall is anticipated in the following week, Buthelezi urged the public to remain vigilant and comply with warnings from the South African Weather Service to ensure their safety.
The severe weather events in KwaZulu-Natal resulted in significant loss and damage, prompting a National State of Disaster declaration. The provincial government aims to coordinate recovery efforts and provide support to affected communities. Residents are advised to stay alert due to forecasts of continued adverse weather conditions.
Original Source: news.az
