By Johnathan Paoli
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the devastation caused by recent severe floods in the Eastern Cape as a catastrophe, blaming them on climate change.
Accompanied by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa and Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane, the president visited flood-affected areas in the OR Tambo and Amathole district municipalities, where rising casualties and damaged infrastructure have prompted urgent national intervention.
“This is a catastrophic disaster caused by climate change. The scale of destruction here is heartbreaking, and it underscores the urgent need to build climate-resilient infrastructure and enhance our disaster readiness,” Ramaphosa said on Friday.
Ramaphosa was officially welcomed at Mthatha Airport by Mabuyane, Hlabisa, and OR Tambo District mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana before heading to eFata Bridge to visit the site of a tragic incident where a scholar transport bus was swept away after the bridge collapsed amid heavy rains on Tuesday.
While engaging with affected communities, he expressed deep sadness at the lives lost and conveyed condolences to the grieving families and residents of the province.
“We are here not just to observe, but to listen, to understand and to act,” Ramaphosa told community members.
Hlabisa and Mabuyane briefed the president on ongoing search and rescue operations and the extent of infrastructure damage, including destroyed roads, homes and public facilities.
They were also monitoring the effectiveness of the disaster response and identifying additional support required at municipal, provincial, and national levels.
The president’s oversight visit included direct engagement with affected residents, emergency personnel and local leaders to ensure a swift and coordinated response to the disaster.
Ramaphosa reiterated his commitment to supporting the province.
“Let us work together to rebuild lives and restore dignity to those who have lost so much. We will not leave anyone behind,” he said.
Relief efforts will continue under close national supervision.
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