Rains flood South Africa, claim 32 lives
20 March 2014 4:10 AM IST
Floods caused by heavy rains which affected most parts of South Africa left 32 dead and about 3, 000 displaced, authorities said on Monday.
‘Regrettably, the present disaster events have resulted in 32 fatalities. These include 25 drownings. Six fatalities were also caused by lightning and one person died due to a collapsed wall,’ Xinhua quoted Andries Nel, deputy minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
‘At this time, provincial reports indicate that 3,000 people are still displaced in the Lephalale Local Municipality (Limpopo district) due to the high water levels,’ Mr. Nel said.
He said water has subsided in other parts of the country with people returning to their homes which had been covered in water.
He added the government is trying to help those affected by the floods. ‘A number of people have been rescued from the roofs of their vehicles and several were trapped in their homes. Rescue efforts continue in the search for these missing people,’ he said, adding the government is still looking for those reported missing.
‘There has been considerable damage to roads and bridges, houses, and water pumps, pipes and other water infrastructure. In some areas communities are unable to access workplaces, health services, shelter and schools.’ The government could not provide the cost of damage caused by the rain as the assessment is still underway.
‘Regrettably, the present disaster events have resulted in 32 fatalities. These include 25 drownings. Six fatalities were also caused by lightning and one person died due to a collapsed wall,’ Xinhua quoted Andries Nel, deputy minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
‘At this time, provincial reports indicate that 3,000 people are still displaced in the Lephalale Local Municipality (Limpopo district) due to the high water levels,’ Mr. Nel said.
He said water has subsided in other parts of the country with people returning to their homes which had been covered in water.
He added the government is trying to help those affected by the floods. ‘A number of people have been rescued from the roofs of their vehicles and several were trapped in their homes. Rescue efforts continue in the search for these missing people,’ he said, adding the government is still looking for those reported missing.
‘There has been considerable damage to roads and bridges, houses, and water pumps, pipes and other water infrastructure. In some areas communities are unable to access workplaces, health services, shelter and schools.’ The government could not provide the cost of damage caused by the rain as the assessment is still underway.
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