Devastating floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province left at least nine people dead in South Africa's eastern KwaZulu-Natal province, spokesperson of the local Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Senzelwe Mzila said.
"The fatalities have increased, with two fatalities recorded in the areas of KwaQoloqolo under Umzumbe in Ugu [district]. It is believed that two men were swept away while trying to cross a flooded river in the area. This means that the death toll now stands at nine," local media quoted Mzila as saying.
Disaster management teams are still conducting mop-up operations in affected areas, Mzila noted.
The rains are forecasted to continue in KZN, with heavier rainfall expected in the northeastern parts of the province on Monday, with potential flooding, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said in a statement.
"Scattered showers and thunder showers are expected over KZN today [Sunday] and over northeastern parts of KZN tomorrow. Rainfall accumulation of at least 30mm is expected in the northeastern parts of KZN tomorrow, which may lead to flooding and localized impacts. The flooding may extend up until Tuesday morning," read the statement.