United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing $100,000 in humanitarian assistance in response to immediate needs in South Africa, following extensive flooding and mudslides throughout KwaZulu-Natal province in the aftermath of Subtropical Depression Issa.
In a statement released by the Agency recently, while with these funds, the United States Government is providing needed emergency relief items for households affected by the flooding.
Recalled from 8th to 13th of April, the coastal parts of KwaZulu-Natal experienced extremely heavy rainfall, causing severe damage in the eThekwini metro and the districts of King Cetshwayo, iLembe, Ugu and Umgungundlovu.
To date, the flooding and mudslides have killed at least 435 people, displaced thousands of people, and damaged or destroyed more than 12,000 houses.
United States officials in South Africa and Washington, D.C., are closely monitoring humanitarian impacts in coordination with the Government of South Africa and partners throughout the region.
The United States stands with communities in South Africa as they recover from the storm and related flooding and landslides.
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa revealed in Capetown on Tuesday while addressing the Parliament that more than 5,700 houses have been completely destroyed and nearly 10,000 have been partially damaged.
According to him, "Around 630 schools have been affected and over 100 schools are not accessible at present. Sadly, 58 learners and 1 educator have passed away. Five learners are still missing. The economic damage is substantial, notably to the Port of Durban, one of the continent’s busiest ports.
"Supply of essential services have been disrupted, leaving homes, schools and businesses without water and electricity. In the Eastern Cape, the districts of Alfred Nzo, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi and OR Tambo bore the brunt of the flooding.
"At least two people lost their lives in the flooding, three people were injured, and around 1,000 people were affected by the destruction of houses and other losses. As in KwaZulu-Natal, the flooding caused damage to roads and bridges and disrupted water and electricity supply to various areas.
"Similar damage was experienced in the North West province, affecting the districts of Bojanala, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Ngaka Modiri Molema. A total of 1,535 houses have been damaged by heavy rainfall in the province", he added.
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