In pics: Over 400 people killed, thousands left homeless due to flooding in South Africa

At least 400 people have been killed and thousands were left homeless in South Africa this week as heavy rainfall pounded the east coast again on Saturday, threatening more flooding and forcing many to take refuge in community centres and town halls.

(Image credits: Reuters)

The heavy downpours in Kwazulu-Natal Province have already knocked out power lines, shut off water services and disrupted operations at one of Africa`s busiest ports of Durban, the main eastern coastal city. The latest rains, which have left at least 40,000 people with no shelter, power or water this week, are expected to continue until early next week.

(Image credits: Reuters)

Over 4,000 law enforcement members have been deployed to the affected areas to support relief efforts and maintain law and order, and staffs are busy repairing damaged infrastructure like roads, water supply, sanitation and electricity, officials said.

(Image credits: Reuters)

According to the South African Weather Service, more rainfall is expected in parts of the province in the coming days. "Damaging winds are forecast for areas along the coast from midday today into Saturday evening. Disruptive rain is forecast," officials said.

In line with the disaster management plan, provincial and municipal disaster management teams are on high alert to respond to communities known to be at high risk to avert and minimize the disaster impact, officials added.

(Image credits: Reuters)

While the east coast suffers more violent rainstorms, other drier parts of the country have in recent years been hit with devastating floods, also blamed on climate change, that have wiped out crops and led to water rationing.