Eastern Cape death toll climbs to 102

By Akani Nkuna

Nearly three weeks following the devastating Eastern Cape floods, the death toll continues to rise. The provincial government has confirmed that 102 people have died.

It said on Monday that 96 bodies have been identified and handed over to their families. Six people are yet to be identified.

“Due to the passage of time, DNA tests may be required to positively identify bodies found decomposed thus implying that it may take longer to identify the deceased,” provincial government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie said in a statement on Monday.

Rantjie said search and recovery efforts were ongoing.

“The South African Police Services (SAPS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) helicopters have been deployed to support the ongoing search and recovery efforts and this coordinated aerial support aims to intensify the search for possible more victims including two children still missing.”

Mobile units from Home Affairs have also been sent out