MTHATHA, Eastern Cape – Grief hangs heavy over communities in the Eastern Cape as the confirmed death toll from the recent floods has climbed to 88—and that number may still rise, with many people still missing.
Families are reeling from the loss of loved ones. So far, 83 of the victims have been identified by heartbroken relatives. Five bodies remain unidentified, a painful reminder of the many still searching for closure.
In response to the tragedy, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government has set up temporary shelters to offer support. Emergency teams are distributing hot meals, clothing, and hygiene essentials to those who have lost their homes and possessions in the deluge.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited the disaster-hit region on Friday, has called for a national day of remembrance to honour the lives lost in the floods. His visit came as communities continued to dig through the mud and rubble, hoping for miracles and mourning their losses.
As the region grapples with the scale of the disaster, questions are also being asked about infrastructure readiness. Notably, there are no sluice gates at the Mthatha Dam—a factor that may have worsened the flooding.
For now, the focus remains on recovery, survival, and support as South Africans rally around the Eastern Cape in its darkest hour.
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