Dozens killed after severe floods and landslides hit KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

At least 51 people have been killed after floods and mudslides hit the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, especially its port city of Durban, on April 21 and 22, 2019. Search and rescue operations are in progress and the death toll is expected to rise. Heavy rain is expected to last at least through Wednesday, April 24.

The province is experiencing heavy rain since the start of the Easter weekend, resulting in flooded roads, collapsed buildings and downed power poles.

The government reported dozens of incidents of collapsed walls and flooded homes. Hundreds of people were forced to evacuate low-lying areas.

An AFP photographer reported one Hindu temple in Durban was entirely flooded with water levels up to 10 m (33 feet).

At least 51 people have been killed and the death toll is still expected to rise as more bodies are being recovered.

Update: Death toll is approaching 70, Lennox Mabaso, a spokesman for the provincial Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs department, told Reuters.

Rescue Care spokesman told AFP most of the victims were either crushed to death by mudslides or drowned in flood waters.

Over the past 48 hours, Paddock received 316 mm (12.4 inches) of rain, Port St. Johns 271 mm (10.6 inches), Durban 252 mm (9.9 inches) and Pennington 161 mm (6.3 inches), SA Weather Service reported 14:06 UTC today.

Featured image credit: uNonkosi @Waited_For_