Heavy rains have caused floods and landslides in the eastern parts of South Africa, especially in the province of Kwazulu-Natal, where the multi-million city of Durban is the largest city.

At least 443 people, including a rescue worker, have died.

More than 60 people are still missing, according to authorities.

The South African Armed Forces announced on Monday that 10,000 soldiers will be deployed to help with the rescue work, including transporting relief shipments.

Helicopters will also be supported for rescue and reconnaissance missions, according to Reuters.

Reports of looting

Hundreds of social workers have also been sent to the area to take care of traumatized survivors, writes TT, which also reports that the South African government has set aside the equivalent of SEK 650 million in an initial crisis support.

4,000 police officers are said to have been deployed to strengthen the relief efforts, but also to maintain law and order because there have been reports of looting, writes The Guardian.

The storm has left thousands homeless and many households without electricity.

Roads and other infrastructure have been swept away after the torrential rains.

Relief shipments are being prepared at an airport outside Durban.

Photo: Rajesh Jantilal / AFP

The rain is light

The rain eased slightly on Sunday and on Monday only a few millimeters of rain are expected in the Durban area.

From Wednesday, a break is expected again, according to weather forecasts. 

Meteorologists have explained that it has not been a tropical storm, but instead it is a weather system with the English name cut-off low that can give heavy rain, hail and cold weather. 

- It is common in South Africa, especially during autumn and spring, and can be differently strong, says meteorologist Puseletso Mofokeng at the South African weather service to France 24.

In a speech on Good Friday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called the floods "a catastrophe of enormous proportions", writes The Guardian. 

"Just when we thought we had emerged from the covid crisis, we have another catastrophe, a natural catastrophe that is sinking over our country," Ramaphosa also said. 

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People in South Africa's Durban are forced to leave their homes due to the major floods that have hit the country.

Photo: Reuters