The official death toll from the recent floods has reached 100 across the Eastern Cape after more recoveries were made by search and recovery teams following the June floods that swept across the province.
The floods had also caused a disruption of livelihoods and significant damage to property and infrastructure. In a statement released on Tuesday, June 24, provincial government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie said as per latest report, 94 bodies had been positively identified and handed over to their families while processes are ongoing to identify the six remaining bodies.
She gave an account of the death per affected district district with OR Tambo District the hardest hit. “O.R. Tambo accounts for 76 of the deceased while Amathole is 10 and Alfred Nzo five. Chris Hani five, Joe Gqabi two and Sarah Baartman two. Out of the 100 deceased persons 63 are adults and 37 children of which 22 are learners. The Eastern Cape Provincial Government once again extends heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and are now left with a profound and multifaceted impact on their lives,” she said
The provincial government, she said, continued with the provision of psychosocial support to the affected communities and schools, as well as the provision of relief efforts to overcome this disastrous situation. The provincial government further wished to applaud the multidisciplinary search and recovery teams for their commendable work since the onset of the tragic weather event in the province. “Their tireless efforts have been instrumental in recovering dozens of bodies and providing critical support to affected families even as the search continues. The numbers are likely to increase, as there are individuals that are still reported missing by their families and next of kin.”
“The provincial government continues to provide humanitarian support in partnership with NGOs and the private sector, with Old Mutual and Amathole District Municipality due to implement a two-day humanitarian aid programme in Mnquma Local Municipality June 26 and 27. Currently, 95 percent of the affected areas are receiving water, though some parts of Mthatha West, Coffee Bay, Mdlankala, and Mhlanga remain without water. Government remains committed to accelerating recovery programmes and ensuring that displaced and affected communities receive the assistance they need to rebuild their lives,” Rantjie said.
