DEATH TOLL OF DURBAN RISES TO 59

Authorities say the death toll from floods and mudslides after rainstorms struck the South African port city of Durban and surrounding areas in Kwazulu-Natal province has reached 59.

The country’s meteorologists last night forecasted more disruptive rains on the way, but expected the rainfall system to weaken considerably today, a disaster that has unleashed massive damage to lives and infrastructure, affecting all races and classes from rural areas, townships to luxury estates.

The education authorities disclosed that fifty-two secondary students and teachers who were stranded at a Durban secondary school, were successfully airlifted to safety following a long traumatic night.

Meanwhile, the country’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa is set to visit the coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal where key roads are shut and mudslides have destroyed many homes following prolonged rains.