Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
CAPE TOWN, June 14 (Xinhua) — The death toll from devastating floods in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has risen to 86, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said on Saturday.
He gave the latest figures to police and rescue workers involved in rescue operations in Umtata, the town worst hit by the disaster.
“Unfortunately, of course, we know that many people have died and it is mentioned that the total number of victims in the province has reached 86 people. This is a great tragedy and we are all deeply saddened by what has happened,” said S. Mchunu.
Severe weather, including heavy rain and snowfall, has wreaked havoc in parts of the Eastern Cape this week, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread damage to infrastructure.
The floods, which began on Monday, also destroyed homes, government offices, roads, hospitals and schools, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited the province on Friday, pledged that the government would continue to provide aid to affected communities. He also proposed declaring a national day of remembrance for those killed in the disaster. –0–