Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong has shared a message of condolence to the country following deadly floods that have killed nearly 400 people.

The number of fatalities following the KwaZulu-Natal floods rose to 395 by Friday afternoon, according to authorities.

"I also take this opportunity to express our sympathy and condolences to those suffering from flooding in KwaZulu-Natal," Chen said. "China is ready to provide necessary support to those people in KwaZulu-Natal as we did last year, even after the July unrest."

Search and rescue operations continue in the affected areas amid a disruption of services across the province.