National state of emergency in South Africa after heavy rains

TT

Published 16.02

 

South Africa is hit by severe flooding. Photo: Alfonso Nqunjana/AP/TT

South Africa has declared a national state of emergency after severe rains that have led to flooding.

At least 30 people have been confirmed dead in the country due to the natural disaster.

The South African government's decision to declare a state of emergency on Sunday followed growing difficulties in parts of South Africa, where the Limpopo region is considered to be the worst affected - but other provinces are also at risk.

Mozambique and Zimbabwe in southern Africa are also affected, and the total probable death toll is more than 100 people.

Extensive torrential rains have been ongoing for weeks, and have led to the closure of the Kruger National Park, among other things.

So far, the estimated value of infrastructure damage is 2.2 billion kronor ($240 million).

Last year, floods killed over 100 people, mainly in the eastern part of South Africa.