Flood death toll rises as rescue efforts continue

IOL News

13-06-2025

Gift of the Givers diving and humanitarian teams are on the ground in the Eastern Cape, assisting local authorities with rescue operations.
Image: Supplied
WITH rescue and recovery efforts still underway, the death toll is expected to rise following the devastating floods that swept through large parts of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape.
By late Thursday, the death toll stood at 57.
Torrential rains and freezing temperatures hit the region on Monday, triggering widespread flooding and landslides that submerged homes, damaged infrastructure and claimed multiple lives.
Gift of the Givers teams, in collaboration with the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit and the Eastern Cape Provincial Disaster Management teams, had by Thursday evening recovered eight bodies.
Ali Sablay, a spokesperson for the Gift of the Givers Foundation, said the deceased included five adults and three children.
'In response to the ongoing crisis, Gift of the Givers is intensifying and expanding its operations throughout the district to support affected communities and assist in further recovery efforts."
"As the water subsides, more bodies are being discovered," said Caroline Gallant, Eastern Cape manager at the South African Red Cross Society, which has sent assistance to the disaster zone.
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More than 3000 houses had been affected, she said, adding it was "the worst ever disaster" recorded in the area.
The Eastern Cape provincial government confirmed at least 127 schools across 10 districts and about 20 health facilities had suffered damage, with assessment and mapping of affected schools still ongoing.
They said restoration efforts for power, water supply, and road infrastructure were also currently underway with the support of engineering teams.
Response and recovery operations were still underway across multiple affected districts across the province.
'As of June 12, 57 fatalities have been reported across the province with the O.R. Tambo District Municipality accounts for 51 while six of the fatalities are in the Amathole District Municipality. Bodies are being held at the Mthatha Forensic Mortuary, with identification efforts currently underway.
'Areas in the OR Tambo District Municipality such as Slovo Park and Decoligny Village in Mthatha have been hard hit by these severe weather conditions. In Mthatha, 38 people were successfully rescued through the combined efforts of EMS, SAPS, and volunteer organisations. Two helicopters, search and rescue vehicles, K9 units, and technical rescue teams have been deployed. In Joe Gqabi District, heavy snow has led to road closures. In Alfred Nzo District and surrounding areas, critical infrastructure such as roads, clinics, schools, and hospitals have been severely impacted,' the provincial government said.
At least 1000 people had been displaced in the Amathole District alone and were being sheltered in community facilities.
'Relief measures including food, blankets, and water have been distributed. The Provincial Government, working with municipalities and social partners, continues to provide essential services to affected residents. Primary Health Care (PHC) services are being provided to displaced people, and emergency medical referrals are being coordinated where necessary,' the province said.
A reception area was also set up at Sir Henry Elliot Hall, Mthatha to offer counselling to affected families.
Cookie Ventkesamy from the Women with Vision organisation, which has been working on the ground to provide humanitarian aid, said that while conditions were starting to improve in some areas, others remained in a state of severe distress.
'Gift of the Givers rescuers are at the dam, they are still searching for many bodies. People are still standing, saying their family members are missing. We've been to some areas where many people are still homeless, there are a lot of people that still need to be placed in Ngqeleni. In Northcrest, it seems to be under control. There are mattresses, heating, and blankets etc.'
She said they would be going to some areas to distribute clothes and soup.
Additional reporting by AFP.
Cape Times