SOUTH AFRICA: KZN flood death toll climbs to 59

The death toll in the devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has climbed to 59.

KZN government says 45 people died in Durban, while 14 others were killed in Ndwedwe and KwaDukuza.

Premier Sihle Zikalala convened a special executive meeting to receive a report on the disaster. Zikalala is calling for the declaration of a state of disaster.

Heavy downpours have been battering KZN since the weekend, triggering flash floods that swept away bridges, homes, vehicles, and roads,

causing significant infrastructural damage. Communities adjacent to rivers are being warned to relocate immediately. According to Zikalala, the damage is estimated to be in the billions of rands.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit KZN tomorrow to assess the damage. Meanwhile, Zikalala has condemned those who looted trucks on the N2 near Umlazi.