South Africa floods by Kirsty McCabe
Parts of South Africa have been battered by freak storms that led to flooding and mudslides across the country on Wednesday.
One of the worst affected areas is KwaZulu-Natal, where at least four people lost their lives after flash floods inundated homes and swept cars away. Rescue teams continue to search for scores of people who are still missing. Scottburgh in KwaZulu-Natal received the highest rainfall amount with 128mm (5 inches) falling in 24 hours on Wednesday.
In Durban, thousands of motorists were caught in grid-locked traffic as deluges caused mudslides which blocked roads. In some areas of the city there was more than a foot of floodwaters.
The main mechanism involved with this heavy rainfall event was due to the ridging action of a strong high pressure system (with a central pressure of 1044hPa) into the southern Indian Ocean, with subsequent pressure rises and onshore flow along the south-eastern and eastern coastline of South Africa. Locally torrential downpours developed, along with strong to gale force winds giving rise to dangerous sea conditions.
Further heavy rain continued in places along the KwaZulu-Natal coast during this morning, with over 74mm (3 inches) being reported in a 4 hour period at Lois Botha Airport in Durban.
The worst is not yet over, however, as forecasters warn of further downpours to come over the next few days. But by the end of the weekend, drier and brighter weather is expected across most parts.
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