S. Africa intensifies rescue efforts after floods

South Africa has declared a national state of disaster and announced a range of measures to respond to devastating floods that have claimed more than 440 lives and wreaked havoc on the KwaZulu-Natal province and other areas.

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Monday night after visiting the flooded areas, saying the government is working hard to rebuild damaged infrastructure and search for dozens of missing people.

The rains, which started a week ago, have destroyed homes, roads, businesses and left many places inaccessible. Preliminary assessment by the KwaZulu-Natal province's human settlements department shows 13,500 households were affected, with more than 12,000 houses damaged. While the cost of the damage caused by the floods is yet to be ascertained, the KwaZulu-Natal government estimates cost for road damage alone to be over $373 million.

In addition, a total of 630 schools were affected in the province, 124 with extensive damage and 101 inaccessible because of washed out roads and bridges. A total of 57 students have been killed. Schooling has been temporarily closed in KwaZulu-Natal province.

Ramaphosa declared the floods a national disaster in the Monday night address so the national government can channel funds to the affected areas to remedy the situation.

"We will focus on immediate humanitarian relief, ensuring that all affected persons are safe and that their basic needs are met. We will focus on stabilization and recovery, rehousing people who have lost homes and restoring provision of services. We will focus on reconstruction and rebuilding. This will not only involve the construction and repair of major infrastructure," Ramaphosa said.

He stated they are trying to make the Port of Durban accessible because of its strategic importance to the country's economy. The port handles 13,000 heavy vehicles per day which travel to various parts of the country and neighboring countries.

The government has also deployed specialized rescue teams to search for the missing people in the debris. The South African National Defense Force deployed 10,000 soldiers to help in rescue operations and humanitarian assistance. The government has established temporary shelters for those left homeless with blankets, food and cash vouchers handed out.

The business community and civil society have donated money and expertise for rescue operations. Erwin Pon, the chairperson of South Africa's Chinese Community, told China Daily they have contributed $6,667 to the Nelson Mandela Foundation to assist flood victims.

Earlier, Chinese ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong said they will help those affected by floods. Chen made the remarks while speaking to journalists last week at the Job Fair 2022 of Chinese-invested enterprises in South Africa, which was held in Johannesburg.

Alan Mukoki, CEO of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has called on the government to help businesses lost to the incessant rains. He called on insurance companies to expedite payment of claims by businesses affected by floods.

"Many businesses have been lost as their premises, equipment and property have been damaged and this will threaten jobs and livelihoods," Mukoki said. "The loss and damage to infrastructure and commercial logistics platforms will set our economic recovery back in a significant way. Working together we will overcome any difficult situation."

Otiato Opali contributed to this story.