Serious Flooding Has Submerged South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province

Just after Cyclone Idai brought destruction to Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi, heavy rains in South Africa's coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have resulted in disastrous flooding. Houses have been destroyed by mudslides and swept away in the raging waters whilst bodies are continuously being retrieved from the rubble of collapsed structures.

According to News24, the death toll has risen to 32 people. The rains show no signs of slowing down and an even heavier downfall is still expected in the days to come. Rescue workers are doing their best to ensure the safety of those who are still in inaccessible parts of the province.

Speaking about the current provincial crisis, member of the Executive Council (MEC) Nomusa Dube-Ncube said:

"Last night, the weather conditions worsened significantly across KZN and the heavy rain culminated in various parts of the province, claiming at least 21 lives and 32 patients in and around Durban. Over 2 000 emergency calls were logged last night."

Social media has been in a frenzy with every emerging detail from the crisis. Unlike the flooding which occurs in the city of Johannesburg and often only affects those living in townships especially close to rivers, the KZN floods have affected almost everyone—from the townships to affluent suburbs.

One Twitter user lamented at how climate change is not being taken seriously whilst its deadly effects are clearly there for everyone to see whilst another pointed out that the crisis is not being taken seriously by other South Africans in the rest of the country.

Many South Africans on social media have expressed their distress and issued condolences to the families affected.