Ramaphosa to visit flood-hit areas as death toll rises

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday visit the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal where key roads are shut and mudslides have destroyed many homes following prolonged rains.

The death toll from the floods has climbed to 59, according to the authorities, with the rain expected to weaken on Wednesday.

“This is a tragic toll of the force of nature and this situation calls for an effective response by government," said President Ramaphosa.

There are reports of looting of shipping containers which had washed up to a major highway following the heavy rains.

The Provincial Executive Council has condemned the reports and warned that criminals will not be allowed to take advantage of the havoc, IOL website reports.

"We call on all law enforcement agencies to ensure that all property is protected from criminality and that law and order is maintained during this period," the website quoted a statement from the council.

African Union Commission chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat has tweeted "sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones following heavy flooding".

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: AFP