2 days ago
Flood tragedy in Eastern Cape: 38 children among 101 dead
The death toll from the devastating floods that struck the Eastern Cape earlier this month has risen to 101, the provincial government confirmed yesterday.
Briefing the media on the provincial government's response to the June disaster incident, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Zolile Williams said the victims include 63 adults and 38 children, with 32 children identified as learners. Two people remain missing.
The OR Tambo and Amathole districts remain the most severely affected due to loss of life, the displacement of families, damaged infrastructure, livestock losses and learners missing examinations.
'The OR Tambo District alone accounts for 77 of the deceased, with Amathole District 10, Alfred Nzo District five, Chris Hani District five, Joe Gqabi District two, and Sarah Baartman District two,' Williams said.
He also noted that among those who died were public servants who were the first responders.
Ongoing relief efforts
The MEC said the provincial government remains in the first phase of the disaster management response, including immediate response and humanitarian relief, which is characterised by the provisions made to ensure that all affected people are safe and basic needs are met.
He noted that the provincial government has activated response systems enabled through the District Development Model approach, in line with National Disaster Response Standard Operating Procedures and in collaboration with non-governmental organisations and the private sector.
Humanitarian partners include Gift of the Givers, Al Imdaad Foundation, the Black Coffee Foundation and Asfraful Aid. Corporates such as Old Mutual, MTN, and local businesses and supermarkets continue to reach communities whose homes and belongings were destroyed.
'These collaborations underscore the power of public-private partnerships in responding swiftly to emergencies,' Williams said.
Williams acknowledged ongoing support from ordinary citizens who have extended a helping hand, saying their presence and contributions have brought hope and comfort to the affected families.
He said government continues to appeal for ongoing support from the private sector, businesses and individuals to assist with donations of food, clothing, blankets, furniture and other essentials. Some affected families have already started burying their loved ones.
'Burial support that is being provided has been made possible by Avbob, who have pledged to offer the storage of the bodies, burial services and transportation of the human remains to the area identified by the family for burial.
'From today, we are expecting that 31 of the bodies will be buried across the provinces, and this includes two learners from Jumba Senior Secondary School who are being buried in Ngqeleni, as well as Nomonde Ntlabathi, who was an enrolled nursing assistant at Bedford Orthopaedic Hospital, who will be buried in Centane on Saturday with her three grandchildren,' Williams said.
Through the Department of Education and the South African Social Security Agency, government has provided financial assistance to families to help with funeral preparations.
'We remain grateful to our social partners who have provided groceries to the families.' –
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