South Africa calls flood disaster case US concerned about legalization of Israeli settlements

The government of South Africa has declared a national emergency due to flooding in seven of the country’s nine provinces. After above-average rainfall, the civil protection authority reported flooded houses and overflowing dams, damage to roads, bridges and a hospital, as well as agricultural losses, the government in Pretoria announced on Monday evening.

Declaring a nationwide disaster is intended to make it easier for authorities to coordinate emergency measures. Initially there was no information about the dead, injured or people who had to leave their homes.

According to the information, the Eastern Cape provinces on the coast in the south and Mpumalanga in the northeast, where the famous Kruger National Park is located, have been particularly affected. Heavy flooding also hit Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, North Cape and North West provinces. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue, according to the South African Weather Service. Meteorologists also expect more than average rainfall in the coming months.

In April last year, severe flooding and mudslides in the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal killed hundreds and forced about 40,000 to flee.

A few days ago, South Africa declared a disaster due to a massive energy crisis. In the event of a calamity, the government can release extra financial resources from its budget. The government had already taken a similar approach to combating the coronavirus. (sda/dpa)