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JOHANNESBURG — South Africa is under a declared state of national disaster following devastating floods in the Eastern Cape. Resulting from intense rainfall, the flooding has tragically increased the death toll to 92, prompting widespread concern and calls for improved disaster response and infrastructure resilience.
Eastern Cape Mourns Flood Victims
The Eastern Cape government commemorated the victims of last week’s deluges with a provincial Day of Mourning and a memorial service. The service was held at King Sabatha Dalindyebo Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in Mthatha, one of the few educational institutions to withstand the disaster’s impact.
Province Grapples with Aftermath
Zolile Williams, a member of the executive council, addressed attendees at the public memorial, stating that the coastal province is deeply affected by the catastrophe. He noted that many residents now face the daunting challenge of rebuilding their lives and communities.
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Unprecedented Disaster
“Since June 9, this province has been severely impacted by unprecedented, catastrophic, and unimaginable disasters. Approximately 92 individuals across the region have died,” Williams stated.
“Since that day, the Eastern Cape has been irrevocably altered. This marks the first instance of encountering such a high number of fatalities, with some individuals still unaccounted for.”
Extent of the Flooding and Damage
An extreme weather system brought torrential rain, powerful winds, and snow to numerous parts of the region causing widespread inundation in one of South Africa’s most economically challenged provinces. The deluge resulted in numerous fatalities and significant destruction to roads, residences, schools, and other vital infrastructure.
- Local media reports suggest that at least two students were swept away in a bus and are among the unconfirmed number of missing people.
- Thousands of individuals have been displaced due to the severe flooding.
Search and Rescue Efforts Continue
Authorities have urged residents to report missing persons to help rescuers refine their search efforts and accurately determine the number of people still missing.
Memorial Service and National Response
Religious figures from various Christian denominations joined hundreds of mourners at the memorial ceremony. Participants lit candles as a symbolic act of remembrance for the 92 lives lost in the Eastern Cape floods.
Elias Sithole, director of the National Disaster Management Centre, issued a government notice on Wednesday, highlighting the extensive property damage and disruptions to essential services across KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, and the Free State. This prompted the declaration of a national state of disaster to address the widespread impact of the severe floods.
The declaration enables the government to allocate funds for relief and recovery efforts. It will remain in effect until the conditions improve, or the head of the center rescinds it.
Presidential Visit and Infrastructure Concerns
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently visited Mthatha, the Eastern Cape town most severely affected by the recent flooding.
Many victims resided on floodplains near rivers. Government officials acknowledged that impoverished neighborhoods with informal settlements were the hardest hit. While authorities have faced criticism regarding the rescue response, concerns have also been raised about the inadequate state of infrastructure in the affected areas, increasing the vulnerability of these populations during extreme weather events.