South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Mthatha on Friday, the hardest hit town in Eastern Cape province, where devastating floods have left at least 78 people dead. Search and rescue operations continued for a fourth day, with authorities expecting the death toll to rise.
Ramaphosa received a briefing from the National Disaster Management Centre and was scheduled to visit a bridge where a school bus was swept away by the flooding. Six students, the bus driver, and another adult were confirmed dead, while four other schoolchildren remain missing.
The disaster, triggered by an extreme weather front bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and even snow, has raised concerns over the authorities’ preparedness. Forecasters had warned of the severe weather days in advance, yet the rescue response was hindered due to a lack of specialized teams and resources.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane highlighted the province’s limited emergency infrastructure, noting that its sole official rescue helicopter had to be brought from a city more than 500 kilometers away. Many victims, particularly in poor areas near floodplains, were caught unaware in the early hours of Tuesday, with homes washed away or submerged.
Authorities say more bodies will likely be recovered as floodwaters recede. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa described the situation as a “real disaster” and urged residents to report missing persons to aid search efforts.
The Eastern Cape disaster adds to South Africa’s vulnerability to extreme weather, with more than 400 people killed in flooding around Durban in 2022.
Government officials continue to assess the damage as calls grow for improved disaster response and preparedness.
