It will cost taxpayers almost R17bn to fix the infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal after this month’s devastating floods.
In a media briefing on Sunday, Premier Sihle Zikalala described the KZN floods as “the greatest disaster in the life of our country, directly affecting 17 438 households, translating to 121 687 people.”
To date, 435 people were killed and 54 remain missing.
According to EWN, the South African Weather Service says parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Free State “will see more torrential rainfall as dangerous flash flooding risks hitting already drenched areas.”
Certain regions have been cautioned about the possibility of more thunderstorms, flash floods, and severe winds.
“The number of those who remain in shelters is 7 245 people in eThekwini, 245 people in KwaDukuza shelters, and the rest in Umzumbe, Ray Nkonyeni [and] Umdoni [local municipalities],” said Zikalala.
Meanwhile, in international news, Emmanuel Macron, a pro-European centrist, won a second term as French president. According to The Guardian, Macron said that he would work to unite a divided France.
After 20 years, Macron became the first French leader to win a second term. He got 58.54 percent of the vote, while the other candidate, Le Pen, got 41.46 percent.
Here are the top trending stories of the day.
Headline: R17bn — That’s the estimated cost of KZN floods damage – Times Live
Headline: Victorious Macron vows to unite France after fending off Le Pen threat – The Guradian
Headline: Former South African captain Smith cleared of racism allegations – EWN
Headline: KZN floods: Just over 7 000 people remain in shelters after ‘greatest disaster’ in the country – News24
Headline: Rihanna Seen Dining With ASAP Rocky Days After His Arrest – Complex
Headline: Chris Rock’s Mom SPEAKS OUT on Will Smith’s Oscars Slap – E! News
Headline: ‘Mzansi’s last hope’ — SA celebrates Pirates booking a place in Confed Cup semis – Times Live
Headline: Spanish challenge stands in way of Man City-Liverpool final showdown – EWN
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