Fatal S-African storm takes lives of dozens
(MENAFN) The number of deaths from last week's severe flooding in South Africa has grown to 88, according to the Eastern Cape Provincial Government. The announcement came on Sunday as search and rescue crews kept looking for missing people in the wake of the disastrous storm.
The heavy flooding followed a harsh winter storm that struck the predominantly rural province, causing rivers to overflow and destroy homes and infrastructure. The hardest-hit area was Mthatha, where many people were swept away or stranded by rapidly rising waters.
To honor the victims, authorities have called for a provincial day of mourning on Thursday, June 19, in Decoligny Village near Mthatha. By Saturday evening, 56 bodies had already been recovered and handed back to their families.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane appealed to the community to report any missing persons in areas affected by the floods and to avoid traveling through hazardous locations. He also asked people to notify authorities about fallen power lines, damaged infrastructure, or any other risks.
The South Africa Police Service (SAPS) said more than 38 people were successfully rescued. Search and recovery operations continue in the worst-affected areas.
President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Mthatha on Friday and announced an inquiry into whether problems with a nearby dam may have contributed to the scale of the tragedy. Rising waters were reported to be up to 3-4 meters high, washing away houses and people in their path.
“Climate change is affecting the climate and causing disasters that lead to deaths, displacement, and damage to infrastructure… The Government must be there to help and protect its people during such disasters,” Ramaphosa said on X.
Winters in South Africa typically last from May to August, with snowfall frequently occurring in June and August when temperatures drop. The country is prone to flooding, and experts say climate change is adding to the problem by making rain patterns more severe.
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