The death toll from devastating floods in South Africa has risen to 341, as search and rescue operations continue in KwaZulu-Natal province.

The figure was announced by Sihle Zikalala, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, who also noted that nearly 41,000 people have been affected by the floods.

The South Africa Weather Service said the floods now rank among the worst natural disasters in South African history.

The coastal province has experienced heavy downpours since the weekend, triggering flash floods that swept away bridges, homes, vehicles, and roads.

More than 120 schools in the province have been damaged, prompting the province's Department of Education to suspend learning.