By Johnathan Paoli
The death toll from the devastating floods that struck the Eastern Cape has risen to 78, with dozens still missing as rescue operations continue across affected areas.
The torrential rains that began earlier this week have left a trail of destruction, including the death of 13 school children who died after a minibus taxi was swept off the R61 bridge near Mthatha.
While some bodies have since been recovered, search teams are still combing riverbanks and fields for at least four missing learners.
Gift of the Givers and local search-and-rescue teams are now working with emergency personnel deployed from Gqeberha, East London and the Chris Hani District.
Heavily affected areas such as Decoligny village and Joe Slovo township remain under intensive surveillance as weather warnings persist for continued rain, strong winds and plummeting temperatures.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni addressed the media on Thursday, following the Cabinet meeting, announcing national coordination efforts to support provincial disaster management teams.
“Cabinet extends its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during flooding across various areas in the Eastern Cape. Government is coordinating rescue and support operations through both the national and provincial disaster management centres,” Ntshavheni said.
She urged the public to remain alert, warning of more inclement weather to come.
“Cabinet cautions everyone to be vigilant over the next few days due to the expected extreme weather conditions. This could include drops in temperature, snowfall, strong winds and heavy rain,” she said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to visit the flood-stricken Mthatha region on Friday, following those of Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa and Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, who both joined provincial leaders in surveying the damage.
Hlabisa confirmed that 57 deaths had been recorded from three main hotspots, with over 2000 people displaced.
He stressed the urgency of declaring the Eastern Cape a disaster area to unlock emergency funding and fast-track relief.
“Fifty-seven is not just a figure, these are human beings—breadwinners, children, parents. We must respond with urgency and compassion,” Hlabisa said.
The disaster has significantly disrupted the education sector.
According to Gwarube, 6038 learners have been displaced, and 58 schools have reported infrastructure damage.
“Many of these children were preparing for mid-year exams. We’ve postponed the two papers that were scheduled, but contingency plans must be finalised quickly. We cannot let this disaster derail their education completely,” Gwarube said.
She also highlighted the emotional toll the disaster has had on the survivors, especially young children.
“One child clung to a tree while her friend was swept away. These are scars that won’t heal quickly. Psychosocial support for survivors must be prioritised,” she said.
Premier Oscar Mabuyane called the situation “terrible,” noting that floodwaters reached up to four meters high in some areas.
He admitted that initial rescue efforts were hampered due to limited resources.
Basic services have also collapsed in several areas, with power outages and disrupted water supply compounding the crisis.
The national and provincial government is working urgently to restore electricity, water and road access.
The African National Congress extended its condolences to communities affected by the floods, acknowledging the grief of those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri praised emergency responders and volunteers for their swift actions.
“We commend the efforts of emergency personnel, disaster management teams and community volunteers. Their immediate interventions have undoubtedly saved lives and brought hope to many amid great difficulty,” she said.
The spokesperson urged all spheres of government to accelerate humanitarian aid, including temporary shelter, food, medical assistance and the restoration of essential services.
She also called for long-term investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness in light of increasingly severe weather due to climate change.
Authorities have urged citizens to follow local weather alerts, avoid crossing flooded roads and postpone travel if possible.
Families have started gathering at the local mortuary in Mthatha to identify their loved ones.
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