The death toll from the devastating floods in Eastern Cape province has risen to at least 78, with rescue teams recovering more bodies on Thursday.
The bitterly cold winter storm which struck the largely rural and underdeveloped province on Monday, caused widespread destruction, with homes submerged, makeshift dwellings toppled and critical infrastructure damaged.
Rescue efforts continue in the worst-hit area around Mthatha, where residents are sifting through mud to salvage what they can from their destroyed homes.
AFP journalists witnessed rescue teams pulling four bodies including children from a one-roomed house while locals looked on helplessly. Houses, trees, and cars were covered in mud and fields were strewn with debris.
The rescue teams are conducting door-to-door checks, hoping to find survivors or retrieve more victims. The region’s lack of resources hindered the initial response, with only one rescue helicopter available from Gqeberha, over 500km away.
A second helicopter was later deployed to assist. The floods have severely impacted essential services, with over 600 people displaced and sheltering in community halls. More than 3,000 homes have been affected, and at least 20 healthcare facilities damaged.
The number of people requiring assistance has doubled in 24 hours, from 5,000 to 10,000. President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the floods as “unprecedented” and will visit the affected areas.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa emphasized the need to relocate people living on floodplains, citing climate change as a reality.
“As the water subsides, more bodies are being discovered,” said Caroline Gallant, Eastern Cape manager at the South African Red Cross Society.