Floods wreak havoc in Eastern Cape, leaving 49 lives lost and hundreds displaced. Image: SoweteanLive.
(The Post News)– The death toll from the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape has risen to 49, according to Premier Oscar Mabuyane. The premier described the situation as one of the most painful tragedies to hit the province over recent years, with relentless rain, strong winds, and landslides causing widespread destruction.
The floods have had a particularly severe impact on the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities, with 39 deaths reported in the OR Tambo District alone. A tragic incident involving a minibus taxi carrying schoolchildren resulted in the deaths of four learners, the driver, and the conductor, with four more learners still missing.
The provincial government has launched a massive response effort, with all members of the executive council deployed to provide support and focus on service delivery needs in affected areas. The premier has suspended other government programs to prioritise disaster response and relief efforts.
The provincial government is committed to providing relief and support to affected families and rebuilding damaged infrastructure. However, the situation remains fluid, and rescue efforts are ongoing. The premier has warned that the death toll is likely to rise as search and recovery operations continue, with emergency teams working tirelessly to locate missing individuals and provide assistance to those in need.
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