People stand on a damaged bridge after heavy rains in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, on April 13, 2022. (Photo by Lebohang Motaung/Xinhua)
Over 600 schools in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province have been affected by floods for which the country has declared a national state of disaster due to its severe negative impact on lives and the economy.
JOHANNESBURG, April 19 (Xinhua) -- A total of 630 schools in KwaZulu-Natal Province have been affected by the floods while 101 are not accessible, said South Africa's Department of Basic Education (DBE) on Monday.
"At the last count, 630 schools were affected, 101 unaccessible, and 124 have suffered extensive damage. It has been reported that 57 learners have been confirmed to be deceased while five are still missing," said DBE spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga.
"Rescue and recovery processes are still ongoing. One educator and one food handler have been reported to have passed away. Schools will not be able to open tomorrow (Tuesday) in KwaZulu-Natal," he added.
Mhlanga said the Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga will visit KwaZulu-Natal to assess the damage done by the floods.
Photo taken on April 13, 2022 shows the scene after heavy rains in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. (Photo by Lebohang Motaung/Xinhua)
KwaZulu-Natal has been experiencing heavy rains last week which have left a trail of destruction and killed 443 people with many still missing. President Cyril Ramaphosa and other senior government officials have visited the places ravaged by floods.
As the cost of last week's floods which badly affected KwaZulu-Natal Province reached billions of rands, President Cyril Ramaphosa also declared a National State of Disaster on Monday night.
The implications, consequences and the damage were wide-reaching beyond KwaZulu-Natal, said the president, adding that the damage to the Port of Durban had far-reaching consequences.
The Port of Durban - one of the biggest and busiest port terminals on the continent and an important part of the country's economy - has been severely damaged. Access to the port has been disrupted by extensive damage to the Bayhead Road, which links the port to the rest of the country, according to the president. ■
