China will donate R1-million toward relief efforts following devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal, which saw hundreds dead and thousands of people displaced.

Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu said the donation will allow government to meet the immediate needs of hundreds of families affected by recent floods.

While the floods have claimed the lives of 488 people, over 60 people are still missing and many families have been left without shelter and forced to use local community halls and schools.

Over 100 schools are affected in KZN which has put a halt on learning.

President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a National State of Disaster on Sunday and vowed that all affected communities would be assisted.

He visited the province to see the damage, estimated to be billions of rands, as government departments assessed the extent of the damage.

The money will also be used to assist Eastern Cape areas that were ravaged by extreme weather conditions, and to assist with a fire disaster in Langa, in the Western Cape, that left scores of people displaced.