Flash floods kill 7 in South Africa

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - At least seven people died after heavy rain and storm hit South Africa’s southeastern province of KwaZulu-Natal this week, authorities said Friday.

The provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said the death toll resulting from the flash floods rose from four on Thursday to seven after three bodies were discovered along the Umbilo River in eThwekwini municipality.

‘‘Houses in eThekwini Metro bore the brunt of the devastation, with approximately 70 houses completely destroyed and a further 110 houses partially damaged. This has affected a total of 552 people, leaving 151 individuals homeless,’’ the department said in a statement.

According to preliminary assessments, extensive damage to road infrastructure, electricity, sewer systems, and housing has been reported.

‘‘As the KwaZulu-Natal province, we are experiencing firsthand the true effects of climate change during the winter season,’’ the province's disaster management department said. The rainy season in the coastal province usually runs from November to March.