The death toll from the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape has climbed to 49, Premier Oscar Mabuyane confirmed during a media briefing on Wednesday, describing the situation as one of the most painful tragedies to hit the province in recent years.
The floods, driven by relentless rain, strong winds, and landslides, have wreaked havoc, particularly across the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities.
Mabuyane confirmed that 39 deaths had occurred in the OR Tambo District alone, including schoolchildren who were swept away in a flooded minibus taxi while en route to school.
“We have convened this briefing to update the people of OR Tambo, people of the Eastern Cape and South Africa about what has happened this side of the country,” said Mabuyane.
“Indeed, it is with a heavy heart that I address you during this difficult and painful time for our province.”
“The number of people confirmed to have been in the minibus is 13 learners with two adults, the driver and the assistant,” Mabuyane said.
“Sadly, four of those learners have been confirmed to be deceased, together with the driver and the conductor of the minibus taxi. Four learners are still missing.”
Emergency and rescue teams remain on the ground conducting search and recovery operations in the worst-hit areas. The rest of the deceased include residents of various ages, with hundreds more displaced and critical infrastructure damaged or destroyed by the flooding and landslides.
“When we learned of the extent of the devastation visited by adverse weather and understood the magnitude of what has transpired, as Premier, I immediately called for the suspension of other government programs in the province,” Mabuyane said.
“All members of the executive council, as you can observe, are here to be able to provide first-hand support and be with our people on the ground.”
The Premier also confirmed that all MECs have been deployed to focus on service delivery needs and mop-up operations in affected areas.
“As of now, the status has escalated to 49 as per the South African Police Services,” Mabuyane said.
“The numbers are just escalating, hour after hour.”
The provincial government has committed to providing relief and support to the affected families and rebuilding damaged infrastructure, but Mabuyane warned that the situation remains fluid as rescue efforts continue.
News
