‘We’re still searching’: 49 dead in Eastern Cape flood tragedy

By Johnathan Paoli

At least 49 people have died in the wake of severe floods in the Eastern Cape province, Premier Oscar Mabuyane confirmed on Wednesday.

This as concerns continue to mount that the death toll may rise further, as several people remain missing.

Late last night, provincial government authorities and emergency teams warned that ongoing search efforts could uncover more victims, particularly in the hardest-hit areas of the OR Tambo District Municipality, Amathole District Municipality, and Alfred Nzo Local Municipality.

Addressing the media in Mthatha, OR Tambo District, earlier last night, Mabuyane described the scale of destruction as “fluid and horrific.” He also warned that the death toll may continue to rise as search and recovery efforts proceed.

“I’ve never seen something like this before,” said Mabuyane. “We’ve had disasters in the past, but this is one of the most severe weather events in our province’s history. The combination of snow and torrential rain in winter is extremely rare, and it shows the harsh realities of climate change.”

Among the most harrowing incidents was the tragedy near Dikolini in the Mthatha West District, where a scholar transport minibus was swept away by rising floodwaters.

The vehicle was carrying 13 learners and two adults when it attempted to cross a low-lying bridge that gave way under the force of the water.

“We’ve recovered six bodies so far. Three children survived. Four others, including young learners, remain missing,” Mabuyane said.

The Eastern Cape premier visited some of the hardest-hit communities, including Tikolo, Butterworth, and Mthatha, where entire households have been destroyed.

The fatalities span multiple districts, with OR Tambo and Amathole district municipalities the most severely affected.

Mabuyane said more than 400 residents have been displaced in Tikolo alone, with over 500 more left homeless in Butterworth.

“Many survivors are now