South Africa declares national disaster over floods

South Africa has declared a national disaster after heavy rains left seven of its nine provinces flooded, destroying roads and bridges as well as leaving farmers suffering losses.

The national weather service predicts that the heavy rains will persist, a statement from the presidency said.

The government has “declared a national state of disaster to enable an intensive and co-ordinated response to impact of floods but gave no indication of casualties.

It said the heavy rains were brought by La Niña global weather phenomenon, which occurs in Pacific Ocean.