Ramaphosa Pledges Aid After Eastern Cape Flood Damage

Ramaphosa- Heavy floods that struck the Eastern Cape earlier this week have resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 78 people confirmed dead. Rescue operations are still underway as teams search for missing persons and extend emergency assistance to displaced residents. On a visit to the affected areas, President Cyril Ramaphosa assured communities that the government will provide support — but only after a thorough assessment of the full extent of the damage has been completed.

President Ramaphosa traveled to the village of Decoligny near Mthatha, one of the hardest-hit areas, where he engaged directly with flood survivors who have sought refuge in temporary shelters. Many of these survivors have lost their homes, belongings, and in some cases, family members to the floodwaters.

The floods, triggered by days of relentless rainfall, have not only taken dozens of lives but also left behind a trail of destruction. Roads have been washed away, infrastructure severely damaged, and entire villages swamped in thick mud. Humanitarian relief organizations are currently delivering food parcels, blankets, and other essentials to those in need.

Ramaphosa Calls for Patience and Cooperation

Addressing a gathered crowd, Ramaphosa acknowledged the suffering endured by flood victims and emphasized that government support would be forthcoming, but in a structured and fair manner.

“We will figure out how to best assist all of you who are affected, so that you can receive the help you need. For those who have suffered significant losses, a full assessment will be conducted and help will be provided,” Ramaphosa stated.

He reiterated that the government must complete damage assessments to ensure that relief is properly allocated to the most severely affected individuals and families.

Accompanying the president during his visit were several cabinet ministers and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane. The premier affirmed the province’s commitment to intensifying relief efforts and pledged additional resources to bolster rescue and recovery operations.

“This is not just a provincial issue; it’s a national concern. We are working closely with national government and municipalities to coordinate an effective response,” Mabuyane said.

The disaster has overwhelmed local resources, prompting national government departments to intervene. Ministerial teams are on the ground working with local leaders and NGOs to coordinate logistics and emergency supplies.

While the death toll currently stands at 78, authorities warn that the number could rise. Search and rescue operations are ongoing in various parts of the province, especially in remote and difficult-to-reach rural areas.

Many communities remain without access to clean water or electricity, further complicating the recovery process. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has also been deployed to assist in delivering aid to isolated areas and to support reconstruction efforts where possible.

Ramaphosa addressed the broader context of the disaster, noting that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. He stressed the importance of investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and better emergency response mechanisms.

“This catastrophe could never have been foreseen to this extent, but we must take lessons from it. Our infrastructure must be designed to withstand these types of disasters,” Ramaphosa noted during his visit.

As communities come to grips with the devastation, Ramaphosa called on South Africans to stand together and support those in distress.

“This is a time for compassion, unity, and resilience. We must come together as a nation to help those who have lost everything. The government will not abandon its people,” he emphasized.

The president also praised the tireless efforts of emergency responders, volunteers, and NGOs who are working around the clock to bring relief to the affected areas.

President Ramaphosa’s visit to the Eastern Cape has provided some assurance to flood victims that the government is actively engaged in addressing the crisis. However, his message was clear: while aid is coming, it must be based on verified needs following a full assessment. This approach, he insists, ensures that resources are used efficiently and reach those most in need.

With rescue teams continuing their critical work and government departments coordinating a broader response, affected communities now wait in hope — not only for immediate relief but also for long-term solutions to prevent such disasters in the future.

Source- EWN