The devastating floods that recently swept across parts of the Eastern Cape have claimed more lives, as two more bodies were recovered in Mthatha on Sunday, 22 June. This tragic discovery brings the official death toll to at least 97, highlighting the scale of the disaster that continues to haunt the region.
Search and rescue operations have been relentless since the floods hit over two weeks ago. Torrential rains, accompanied by violent flash floods, destroyed homes, washed away critical infrastructure, and displaced thousands of residents across the province. The magnitude of the devastation has left entire communities shattered, with many still searching for missing loved ones.
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Humanitarian aid organisation Gift of the Givers, which has been at the forefront of relief efforts, confirmed the latest recovery of the bodies. Ahmed Bham, the head of the organisation’s search and rescue division, provided further details on the tragic find.
“Two bodies were found, both male, yesterday afternoon in Mthatha. They were recovered by our search and rescue teams after we were alerted by a community member who came across the bodies,” Bham said.
Despite continuous efforts by search and rescue teams, the possibility of finding more victims remains high. Many families are still desperate for answers regarding the whereabouts of their missing relatives. The disaster has become one of the most severe weather-related tragedies in the province’s recent history.
The Eastern Cape government, deeply affected by the human loss, declared a Provincial Day of Mourning on Thursday, 19 June, to honour those who perished in the floods. A solemn memorial service was held at King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET College in Mthatha, one of the few buildings in the area that remained structurally sound after the devastating downpours.
The emotional memorial service was attended by grieving families, community members, and local leaders, all united in their sorrow. It served as both a tribute to those who lost their lives and a moment of solidarity for the survivors facing uncertain futures.
Efforts to provide assistance to displaced families are ongoing, with various government departments, NGOs, and religious groups joining hands to deliver food, clean water, clothing, and temporary shelter to affected communities. However, the road to recovery is expected to be long and challenging, given the widespread damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and schools.
As the search for the missing continues, Eastern Cape residents remain hopeful for closure and relief. The community’s resilience, combined with the ongoing support from organisations like Gift of the Givers, offers a glimmer of hope amid the heartbreaking circumstances.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about missing persons or suspected flood victims to report to local officials to assist in the ongoing recovery efforts. The Eastern Cape, once vibrant and full of life, now stands in mourning as it grapples with the harsh aftermath of this natural disaster.
