South African residents rescued by boat from heavy flooding

Johannesburg Several people in South Africa’s coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal were rescued by boat on Monday as heavy rains cause severe flooding. Residents of the town of Ladysmith had to be brought to safety after the Kliprivier Dam was unable to hold back the force of accumulating water. In recent days, heavy rainfall and flooding killed at least 14 people and left hundreds of families homeless in the Eastern Cape Province, according to the authorities. The downpours started in mid-December and more is expected. (agencies)