Eastern Cape floods death toll rises to 49

The figure includes the victims of a scholar transport accident where pupils were swept away when the vehicle they were travelling in reportedly tried to cross a low-lying bridge.

On Wednesday afternoon, Mabuyane updated the media in Mthatha on the impact of the adverse weather.

Moments after initially placing the death toll at 39, the premier was given an updated figure: “As we are seated here, the stats have escalated to 49, as per the South African Police Service. As we have indicated, the numbers are just escalating hour after hour. The situation is so bad on the ground.”

Earlier, Mabuyane reported that four of the 10 bodies that had been retrieved in Mthatha had been positively identified.

Among them was the scholar transport driver and his conductor.

“Four learners are still missing. Our rescue teams are still on the ground…search and recovery operations are continuing across affected areas, particularly within the OR Tambo District Municipality.”

The premier has suspended all government programmes to focus on the disaster, with the provincial government joining hands with the OR Tambo and  King Dalindyebo District Municipalities to assess the extent of the damage on the ground. 

“Each of the MECs is looking at the service delivery needs of this, and other, affected communities across the province, and mop-up operations begin in earnest.”

Scores of residents have been displaced, while critical infrastructure has also been affected.

"In the Amathole District, the heavy rains have led to the displacement of hundreds of our residents in the informal settlements, particularly in the area of Butterworth, with many relocated to temporary shelters. The severe weather has also caused power outages in several areas in the district."

Mabuyane has appealed to residents to remain vigilant and follow the guidance of local disaster management teams.

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