Eastern Cape Flood
By Lerato Mpembe
The Eastern Cape flood death toll has climbed to 88 after five more bodies, including that of a 10-year-old girl from Libode, were recovered over the weekend, prompting urgent search and recovery efforts as government and humanitarian teams intensify their response to the deadly winter storm that struck earlier this week.
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A Tragedy Still Unfolding
What began as a fierce cold front on 10 June 2025 has turned into one of the most devastating natural disasters in the history of the Eastern Cape. With snow, heavy rainfall, and gale-force winds sweeping across vast parts of the province, towns like Mthatha, Libode, and regions of the OR Tambo and Amathole districts have suffered widespread damage, loss of life, and displacement.
The latest figures confirmed by the Eastern Cape government on Sunday bring the official death toll to 88, as search and rescue operations enter their seventh day. Among the bodies recovered was a young girl from Libode who had been missing since the beginning of the storm. Her body was discovered near the R61—where a scholar transport minibus carrying 22 passengers was earlier swept away by floodwaters.
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Ramaphosa: “Flood Death Toll Would Be Worse Without Emergency Response”
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited the flood-ravaged areas midweek, labelled the event a “catastrophic disaster” and acknowledged that the death toll would have been even higher had it not been for the fast intervention by emergency teams. “What we are witnessing is a tragedy compounded by years of infrastructure challenges and the intensifying effects of climate change,” said Ramaphosa.
During his visit to Mthatha and surrounding villages, Ramaphosa assured survivors that “government assistance will be provided” once full damage assessments are finalised. He also dismissed public speculation that the Mthatha Dam’s sluice gates were left open, clarifying that there was no deliberate release of water during the floods.
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Disaster Strikes Mthatha: Ground Zero of the Crisis
Mthatha and its surrounding settlements have borne the brunt of the flooding. Water levels rose rapidly—reaching up to 4 metres in some areas—and swept through communities while many residents were asleep. Entire households were washed away in the dark, with many bodies discovered kilometres downstream.
The worst single incident occurred when a scholar transport minibus carrying schoolchildren was engulfed by floodwaters along the R61. Eight bodies were recovered: six learners, one adult chaperone, and the driver. Three learners survived by clinging to trees, but at least four education staff remain missing.
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Search and Rescue Operations Under Pressure
Despite efforts by the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, the region’s limited capacity has severely strained emergency response efforts. The Eastern Cape has only one operational rescue helicopter, and no local diving or canine search teams. All specialised units had to be flown in from provinces over 500km away.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane admitted on Saturday that the province’s disaster response was “paralysed” during the critical first 12 hours. However, the efforts have since intensified. Search teams have fanned out across rivers, flood plains, and washed-out areas in both OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities.
More than 1,000 people have been displaced, many of whom are now living in community centres, halls, and school buildings converted into temporary shelters.
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Health and Infrastructure in Ruins
The floods have left a path of destruction in their wake. Officials report damage to at least 127 schools, 20 clinics, and multiple bridges and roads, making accessibility a serious concern. In many places, clean drinking water has become scarce and power outages persist.
There is growing concern about waterborne diseases, as stagnant water continues to mix with raw sewage in overwhelmed drainage systems. Health professionals and NGOs have begun deploying field teams to prevent outbreaks and support injured and vulnerable residents.
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Government and Civil Society Step In
Following the president’s directive, the National Disaster Management Centre was activated. Ministers, provincial heads, and municipal mayors are conducting field inspections and coordinating interventions.
According to Eastern Cape government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie, thousands of residents are receiving emergency relief in the form of shelter, food parcels, water, blankets, and clothing. She stated:
“Provincial government continues to provide emergency relief to thousands of residents displaced by recent floods in OR Tambo and Amathole municipalities.”
Non-governmental and faith-based organisations, such as Gift of the Givers, are also playing a major role in the delivery of food, medical supplies, and trauma counselling.
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Trauma on the Ground: “Water Was Around My Neck”
Survivors have begun to share painful stories from the flood. One elderly woman from Mqanduli said she lost three grandchildren as their home was swept away. “The water was around my neck. I held onto the roof, praying. I couldn’t save them,” she said through tears.
Psychosocial support workers have been deployed to shelters, helping children, the elderly, and other vulnerable survivors process the trauma. Many witnessed their loved ones being taken by the floods, some still waiting for confirmation as identification of bodies continues.
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Forensic Efforts to Honour the Dead
A special forensic identification team has been deployed by the government to ensure that the recovered bodies are returned to families with dignity. Where possible, DNA testing and dental records are being used. This work has slowed down recovery but is seen as essential for respectful closure.
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Climate Change Front and Centre
President Ramaphosa pointed out that this is not just a freak incident—it is part of a worrying trend. “We can no longer treat floods like these as rare. They are becoming our reality,” he warned, tying the Eastern Cape floods to the broader climate change crisis.
The winter storm that caused the flooding is part of a climate anomaly, where winter rains are heavier and more destructive than those typically seen in this season. KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and parts of Limpopo have experienced similar floods in recent years.
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Urgent Call for National Disaster Preparedness
The Eastern Cape disaster has prompted urgent conversations around disaster preparedness. Experts have warned that South Africa’s early warning systems are outdated, with rural provinces like the Eastern Cape particularly vulnerable due to poverty, poor infrastructure, and climate exposure.
There is now growing pressure for government to invest in:
• More helicopters and drones for search operations
• Training of local dive and dog rescue units
• Expanded flood risk mapping and early warning systems
• Upgrading infrastructure in informal settlements
The 2025 floods have made it clear that without proactive measures, future disasters will continue to claim lives and destroy livelihoods.
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