Eastern Cape mobilises in wake of flood catastrophe, as death toll rises to 101

By Johnathan Paoli

The Eastern Cape government has confirmed a devastating death toll of 101 people following the catastrophic flooding that struck the province earlier in the month.

Cooperative governance and traditional affairs MEC Zolile Williams has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and acknowledged the profound emotional toll the crisis has taken on both communities and government officials.

“Each announcement of a new fatality has been a painful burden on our hearts. This is a tragedy that has wounded the very soul of our province,” he told reporters on Thursday.

According to the latest figures, 38 children of who 32 were learners, have died.

The OR Tambo District accounts for the majority of the fatalities with 77 deaths, followed by Amathole (10), Alfred Nzo and Chris Hani (5 each), and two each in Joe Gqabi and Sarah Baartman.

A total of 94 bodies have been identified