KZN floods: Death toll jumps to 341

The initial figure was close to 60 fatalities at the start of the week.

By Wednesday evening, that number had jumped to 306.

KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala announced the latest details at a media briefing on Thursday where he revealed the highest number had been reported in eThekwini with 301 fatalities.

Ilembe district municipality reported 28, King Cetshwayo municipality reported eight, Ugu six while Umzinyathi reported two.

Dozens more are missing, some feared dead.

"A total of 55 injuries have been registered, more than 248 schools have been damaged," said Zikalala.

ALSO READ: 

Zikalala added the damage to roads, property and infrastructure was estimated to run into the billions of rands.

"We are still quantifying the damage. There are two important things for now - the first is to ensure that we support affected families, get them shelters, provide foods and clothes, and ensure that the bereaved families are supported to bury their loved ones. 

"The second is to clear all areas, get roads cleared, get water back, get electricity back and get everything into normal so that people will work again, and life will continue."

A detail assessment is expected to establish the extent of resources needed for mop-up operations.

Despite the carnage, Zikalala assured holidaymakers gearing up to visit for the Easter weekend that the province would keep its doors open for tourism.