Death toll in Eastern Cape floods reaches 78

By Johnathan Paoli

The death toll from the devastating floods that struck the Eastern Cape has risen to 78. with many still missing as rescue operations continue across affected areas.

It was 49 on Wednesday.

Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa told the SABC on Thursday night that more bodies would be found on Friday.

“Even tomorrow, the more water subsides, the more people will be found,” he said.

The torrential rains that began earlier this week have left a trail of destruction, including the death of 13 school children who died after a minibus taxi was swept off the R61 bridge near Mthatha.

While some bodies have since been recovered, search teams are still combing riverbanks and fields for at least four missing learners.

Gift of the Givers and local search-and-rescue teams are now working with emergency personnel deployed from Gqeberha, East London and the Chris Hani District.

Heavily affected