The devastating floods that have swept through the Eastern Cape continue to leave a trail of destruction, with the official death toll now standing at 78. Authorities confirmed that over 1,000 residents have been displaced, with many having lost everything in the torrential rains and flash floods that hit the province earlier this week.
The majority of the fatalities, a staggering 61, were recorded in Mthatha and surrounding communities. Additionally, ten deaths were reported in the Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, and Amathole districts. Among the deceased are two schoolchildren from the Chris Hani district, whose untimely deaths have brought fresh sorrow to an already grieving province.
During a media briefing held in Mthatha on Thursday, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, and Eastern Cape Cogta MEC Zolile Williams provided the latest updates on the unfolding humanitarian disaster. They emphasized that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with many teams still scouring flooded areas for those reported missing.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit Mthatha and other flood-ravaged areas on Friday morning. His visit will include engagements with local government officials, traditional leaders, and affected community members. The President is anticipated to assess the extent of the damage firsthand and oversee efforts to provide urgent relief to those impacted by the floods.
Tragically, scenes of despair have become all too common in the province. Photographs captured near Decoligny, outside Mthatha, show the grim task of recovering bodies from the floodwaters. Emergency personnel have been working tirelessly under difficult conditions to retrieve the deceased, with one rescuer describing the emotional toll of recovering children’s bodies as “heartbreaking.”
Road infrastructure has also taken a severe hit. The R61 route from Mthatha to Ngcobo, particularly near the Efata Special School for the Deaf and Blind, was closed earlier this week due to dangerous flooding. The N2 to Kokstad, near Emakhaphetshwini outside Mthatha, was similarly rendered impassable by the rising water levels, further complicating rescue operations and the delivery of aid.
One of the most harrowing incidents during the disaster involved a school bus that was swept away by floodwaters near Mthatha. At least eight bodies have been recovered from the incident, with rescue teams still working in the area in hopes of finding survivors or recovering more victims.
The Eastern Cape’s floods have drawn national attention, sparking a coordinated emergency response from government agencies, NGOs, and local authorities. Temporary shelters have been established for displaced families, and aid distribution is underway, although many communities remain cut off due to damaged infrastructure.
As the Eastern Cape mourns the lives lost and begins to confront the monumental task of rebuilding, there is growing pressure on the government to address the long-standing issues of poor infrastructure and inadequate disaster preparedness that have worsened the impact of this tragedy. President Ramaphosa’s visit is expected to offer both solidarity and potential solutions as the province navigates this difficult period.