At least 51 killed in severe storm in South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – South African authorities have confirmed that at least 51 people have been killed during heavy rains and flooding in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces. 

Five more people remain unaccounted for as rescue operations continue.

The fatalities include 13 people who were killed when a church building collapsed in the town of Dlangubo.

Several homes were destroyed by massive floods and hundreds of people have been displaced in Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape. They are currently accommodated in community halls and churches.

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday visited the affected areas after returning from an African Union Emergency Summit in Egypt.

“The entire nation’s thoughts and prayers are with the people of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape who have been affected by the forces of nature against which they had little defence," he said.

–0– PANA CU/AR 24Apr2019