The KwaZulu-Natal flood death toll rose to 16 on Monday after a decomposing body was found in the Umzinto River, said police spokesperson Captain Vincent Pandarum.
Twelve people had been confirmed dead, but over the past week another four bodies, including the Umzinto River body, were recovered by rescue officials.
The storm wreaked havoc earlier this month as homes and businesses were flooded, rivers burst their banks, bridges collapsed, cars were swept away and railways tracks were damaged.
Thousands of people in Informal settlements were displaced. Within hours, walls of water had made rural roads impassible, preventing residents from salvaging their possessions or fleeing the area.
Experts said it was likely that the unusually high rainfalls were caused by climate change. ”Weather patterns are becoming more extreme. I am convinced the floods are in part related to climate change,” said Colin Anderson, senior forecaster at the Durban Weather Office.
Municipalities on the South Coast said damages would probably run into millions of rands. – Sapa