The devastating floods that have battered parts of the Eastern Cape continue to leave a trail of destruction, with the confirmed death toll now rising to 90. This tragic figure highlights the magnitude of the disaster that has hit the region, particularly in areas like Mthatha, which has borne the brunt of the heavy rains and widespread flooding.
According to reports from the provincial government, of the 90 people who have tragically lost their lives, 60 are adults, while the remaining victims are children. So far, 80 of the deceased have been positively identified, with 77 of those bodies having already been released to grieving families for burial.
The impact of the floods has been catastrophic, not only in terms of human lives but also on infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods. Entire communities have been left displaced, with many families losing everything they owned. Roads and bridges have been damaged or swept away, making rescue operations and aid deliveries even more challenging.
Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, visited Mthatha on Sunday to meet with flood victims and assess the extent of the damage first-hand. Speaking during her engagement with the affected residents, Tolashe emphasized the importance of accountability in government relief spending. She warned that while emergency funds would be allocated to assist those affected, strict financial controls would be in place to prevent the misuse of funds, drawing lessons from past disasters.
“In the centre of all this, we agreed that we must bring our internal audit committees so that, as we spend, they can assist and look closely at whether we are spending accordingly,” Tolashe explained. “We don’t want a repeat of what happened during the Covid-19 pandemic, where there was a lot of fruitless and wasteful expenditure. We want to guard against that early while we are still spending.”
The Minister further highlighted that government departments would work together to ensure that resources are directed to where they are most needed. If necessary, funds may be redirected based on the evolving needs of those affected by the floods.
Search and rescue operations remain ongoing, with more bodies expected to be discovered as teams continue their difficult work in the flood-ravaged areas. The South African Police Service, along with rescue teams and volunteers, are combing through affected regions, many of which are still waterlogged.
While families mourn their loved ones, the government has pledged continued support for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Temporary shelters, food parcels, and counseling services are being provided as immediate relief efforts, with long-term plans for rebuilding to follow in the coming weeks.
As the Eastern Cape faces this immense tragedy, the focus now is on recovery, accountability, and ensuring that communities can begin to rebuild their lives with dignity.