Disaster response efforts intensify as Eastern Cape flood death toll mounts. Image: Jackaranda FM.
(The Post News)– The Department of Cooperative Governance has confirmed that the death toll from the recent Eastern Cape floods has risen to 97.
Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa and senior management briefed the portfolio committee on COGTA about the situation, providing updates on the government’s response efforts. The briefing aimed to inform the committee about the measures being taken to address the disaster and support those affected.
Dr Elias Sithole, Head of the National Disaster Management Centre, provided a detailed breakdown of the fatalities, revealing that 23 of the deceased were school-going children. The government is working to recover the bodies of those still unaccounted for, with 86 bodies already identified and claimed by their families. Sithole’s update highlighted the severity of the situation and the need for continued support and resources.
In response to the disaster, the government has activated various structures to manage flood disasters across the country. The Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management and the National Joint Flood Coordination Committee are working together to coordinate relief efforts. Multiple departments, including Health, Home Affairs, and Transport, are involved in the response, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of those affected.
The Eastern Cape COGTA MEC, Zolile Williams, reported that significant progress has been made in repairing damaged infrastructure that affected the water system. The government and humanitarian organizations have collaborated to provide clean water to those in need, using trucks to supply areas where the water system was disrupted. Williams emphasized that efforts are ongoing to restore the systems and ensure everyone has access to essential services, including clean water and sanitation.
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