By Umamah Bakharia 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared KwaZulu-Natal a state of disaster after being hit by continuous rainfall over the past week.

Recent reports indicate that almost 260 people were confirmed dead after intense rainfall that caused widespread flooding, destroyed homes, and damaged infrastructure, leading to businesses closing their doors.

Ramaphosa visited the region, confirming that the state of disaster is currently in the process of being gazetted.

Damages are expected to run into the billions of rand.

Speaking to Radio Islam, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Deputy President Gladwin Malishe, says authorities are still trying to investigate how much damage the floods have caused.

“It’s important that when the president declared a state of disaster, he works closely with businesses especially organised businesses in order [ensure assistance] is given to businesses to reopen,” says Malishe.

He reiterates that there is no other solution besides assisting businesses to curb high unemployment rates.

Malishe says they are working closely with the government to identify the crucial issues and where money can be allocated.