CAPE TOWN, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people were killed and a number of others were unaccounted for when a severe storm hit the coastal city of Durban, authorities said on Wednesday.
The storm on Tuesday lashed the city with high speed winds of 70km/h, causing massive flooding and leaving a trail of destruction.
Authorities could confirm right now that eight people had been killed, Wesizwe Thusi, a member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Cooperative Governance in Durban, told reporters.
The death toll could rise as a number of people went missing following the storm, said Thusi.
Rescuers were still searching for the missing people, according to Thusi, addgint that damage caused by the storm was being assessed.
The victims included two patients who were killed when a hospital wall collapsed and a police officer who died after a container collapsed onto a police car.
"We convey our heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones due to the current conditions, you are in our prayers," said Des van Rooyen, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Some parts of South Africa have experienced heavy downpours accompanied by heavy winds and excessively dangerous conditions in the past two days. Durban and Johannesburg were the most affected cities.
"Government will continue to endeavor doing everything possible to assist communities, but we urge everyone to be extremely vigilant, especially in the coming days and beyond amid the heavy rains still expected,"said Van Rooyen.
Emergency services and mop-up operations are on course to address emergency needs and to restore critical services, according to the minister.
