In March 2020, President Cyril Ramphosa declared a State of the Nation disaster in response to the spread of COVID-19. A few months later, the president has once again returned South Africa to a state of disaster, this time in response to the devasting floods that took place in KwaZulu-Natal
According to EWN, the floods are said to be the worse in recorded history in the province and have claimed more than 400 lives. During an address to the nation late on Monday night, Ramaphosa indicated that the natural disaster had implications beyond KZN as the flooding had disrupted fuel lines and food supplies.
Nearly 4000 homes have been destroyed and countless individuals displaced as citizens piled on the pressure to have the President declare a provincial state of disaster for KZN. However, Ramaphosa indicated that given the extent of the impact of these floods, this would not go far enough.
Excessive damage had been done to the Port of Durban which had widespread consequences that would not just affect KZN, as such, Cabinet had decided to declare a national state of disaster, as per IOL.
The President further indicated that the national state of disaster would enable more resources to be freed up, boosting capability and technical expertise in providing much-needed relief.
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