The devastating EC disaster continues to grip the Eastern Cape, with the official death toll rising to 86 as of this weekend. The announcement was made during a media briefing held on Saturday, attended by Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, who met with local law enforcement officials in the Mthatha area to assess the impact and ongoing response.

The severe weather, which included relentless rain and unseasonal snowfall, has left a trail of destruction across several districts. Homes have been washed away, roads submerged, and thousands of residents displaced. Rescue teams are still actively working in affected regions to locate those who remain missing and assist with critical relief operations.

Government Officials Respond to the EC Flooding Crisis

Earlier this week, Eastern Cape communities faced some of the worst weather-related disasters in recent years. Heavy rainfall and sudden flooding wreaked havoc on infrastructure, while snow in high-lying areas compounded the challenges faced by emergency services and affected families.

In a show of solidarity and urgency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with other senior government officials, visited the Decolingy area in Mthatha on Friday. This region is among the worst affected, with hundreds of residents forced to evacuate and take shelter in temporary accommodations.

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Addressing displaced residents at Sinolwazi Senior Secondary School—now serving as a temporary relief centre—Ramaphosa expressed his condolences and promised immediate action. Over 100 victims gathered to hear his message of support and reassurance.

“We will not abandon you,” the president said. “Damage assessments are underway, and once completed, government assistance will be rolled out to help every family rebuild their lives.”

Search and Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Harsh Conditions

As mop-up operations progress, search and rescue teams remain deployed in multiple hotspots across the Eastern Cape. Their work is far from over, with reports of missing individuals still trickling in. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of those unaccounted for, highlighting the ongoing danger and the complexity of the disaster response.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), in conjunction with local emergency response units and community volunteers, is coordinating efforts to recover bodies, assist stranded residents, and restore access to blocked roads. Many areas remain inaccessible due to flooding and infrastructure damage, slowing the overall response.

Minister Mchunu praised the work of the police and emergency crews during his visit, saying: “The EC flooding has brought unimaginable hardship, but the bravery and dedication of our officers and first responders give us hope. Their work on the ground is saving lives every day.”

Entire communities have been left devastated by the EC flooding. In addition to the tragic loss of life, countless homes have been reduced to rubble, schools damaged, and critical infrastructure such as bridges and roads swept away.

Displaced families have been relocated to makeshift shelters while waiting for formal housing support. Aid organizations and government departments are working to provide food, blankets, clothing, and hygiene essentials.

Health services are also on high alert, as floods often result in outbreaks of waterborne diseases. The Department of Health has begun distributing clean water and deploying mobile clinics to reduce the risk of secondary health crises.

A Call for National Unity and Support

While government aid is being organized, civil society and non-profit organizations have called on South Africans to unite and support those affected by the EC flooding. Fundraising campaigns, donation drives, and volunteer programs are being mobilized across the country.

Citizens are encouraged to contribute essential items such as non-perishable food, warm clothing, and toiletries. In Mthatha and other major towns, collection points have been established to streamline donations.

Religious leaders and community elders have also stepped in to offer emotional support and trauma counselling to those mourning the loss of loved ones.

The full scale of the EC flooding disaster is still being measured, but it is already clear that long-term recovery will require coordinated efforts from government, private sector partners, and the community at large.

Public Works officials have begun conducting engineering assessments to identify which areas can be rebuilt and which may require complete relocation. Ramaphosa has promised that rebuilding efforts will prioritize resilience, ensuring that new infrastructure can better withstand future extreme weather events.

As the province begins its long journey toward recovery, the tragedy has once again raised questions about climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and the need for improved infrastructure investment in rural and underserved communities.

For now, the people of the Eastern Cape continue to mourn, rebuild, and rely on the strength of unity and compassion in the face of one of the region’s worst natural disasters in years.

Source – EWN