While the world continues to focus its attention on the atrocities taking place in Ukraine as Russia continues its deadly and brutal invasion, South Africa just went through its own catastrophe.
According to The Hill, the death toll in South Africa as a result of unprecedented flooding has already risen to 443, with that number expected to increase as more bodies are discovered in the process of search-and-rescue.
The massive flooding event caused a number of deadly mudslides, which authorities blame for a majority of the deaths, as they tend to wipe out anything in their path, including homes and vehicles.
As of this writing, at least 63 residents of the KwaZulu-Natal province are still unaccounted for.
“We sympathize”
KwaZulu-Natal premier Sihle Zikalala, released a statement after the death toll began to climb.
“We sympathize with all those who lost their relatives and friends in the floods that attacked KwaZulu-Natal,” the leader wrote in a Facebook post.
He added: “As a government we will do everything we can to help our communities that have lost relatives and friends.”
PRESIDENT TO ADDRESS NATION ON WIDESPREAD FLOODING
President @CyrilRamaphosa will this evening, Monday, 18 April 2022, address the nation on the government’s response to catastrophic floods which have devastated parts of KwaZulu-
Natal and the Eastern Cape. pic.twitter.com/WgPLYLn86I— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) April 18, 2022
Outpouring of support
The small South African province received messages of support from all corners of the world, including a statement from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of life due to heavy flooding in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Our condolences go out to the families of those lost, as we stand with the people and government of South Africa at this difficult time.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 14, 2022
The tragedy even drew the attention of the Queen of England, who released a statement on the matter through the Royal Family’s official Twitter accounts.
The Queen has sent a message to the President of South Africa following the floods in KwaZulu-Natal province:
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 14, 2022
