South Africa: Army mobilizes 10,000 troops after floods

The South African army said today it was mobilizing 10,000 troops following catastrophic floods that killed 443 people, left tens of thousands homeless and wreaked havoc on the country’s east coast.

South Africa was hit for a week by heavy rains that caused deadly floods and landslides. The majority of the victims were recorded in the Durban area, the port city of 3.5 million in KwaZulu-Natal in the Indian Ocean. About 63 people are still missing.

“The South African military has been instructed to mobilize 10,000 troops as part of Operation Chariot,” the military said in a statement, adding that it would support its “unprecedented disaster management effort.”

Soldiers will also be involved in searching and rescuing victims, as well as in operations to clear and transport equipment and humanitarian aid.

Nearly 4,000 homes were destroyed by the floods and more than 13,500 were damaged. Many hospitals and more than 550 schools were affected and access to some areas is still unavailable due to damage to roads and bridges.

Army firefighters and electricians will intervene in areas where water and electricity have been cut off for a week. The army also plans to distribute drinking water and install water purification systems.

Tents will also be set up to provide emergency accommodation to those who have been left homeless.

The army will also offer air support. Army helicopters have been assisting in the last few days in rescue operations carried out by the police and rescue teams.

It will also be possible to provide medical support by providing ambulances and strengthening medical staff.

SOURCE: AMPE