South African floods kill at least 22 people

JOHANNESBURG: Flooding caused by torrential rain and fierce winds on South Africa´s eastern coast have killed at least 22 people, local authorities said on Tuesday.

Flooding hit several locations in two eastern provinces, two rare tornados were spotted, temperatures plunged and snow fell in some central regions.

At least 11 people died in Eastern Cape, a spokesperson from Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, at the heart of the floods, told AFP.

More than 2,000 people have been evacuated from Nelson Mandela Bay, notably from makeshift homes in the municipality´s slums.

Local authorities launched an appeal for donations of clothing, food and blankets. The provincial government in neighbouring KwaZulu-Natal also said at least 11 people had died in and around the port city of Durban.

Provincial authorities declared a state of alert in KwaZulu-Natal.

A provincial government statement said “55 people suffered minor to moderate injuries and are receiving medical treatment in hospital.