By Johnathan Paoli
The death toll from the devastating floods that ravaged parts of the Eastern Cape last week has risen to 90, with rescue and recovery operations still ongoing.
The provincial government has declared Thursday a day of mourning, as the scale of the humanitarian crisis continues to grow.
Speaking at a Youth Day event in Cacadu, Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane confirmed that 60 adults and 30 children were among the victims of the floods, which submerged homes and destroyed critical infrastructure in Mthatha, particularly in Decoligny Village, one of the worst-hit areas.
“Our priority now is to ensure that the people of these communities are accounted for so that we can help families bury their loved ones. After that, the government will speedily work with the people to rebuild and restore their livelihoods,” Mabuyane said.
According to provincial authorities, 83 postmortems have already been completed, with 80 bodies positively identified and 77 released to families.
The Eastern Cape health department is working with social workers and local churches to provide psychosocial support and spiritual guidance to bereaved families.
More than 2600 residents have been left homeless, and over 3000 homes were reported damaged or destroyed, prompting emergency evacuations.
At least 1500 residents are currently sheltered in community halls, schools and temporary shelters.
The deluge has left behind a path of destruction, with 58 schools and 20 healthcare centres damaged.
Bridges and roads were washed away, cutting off access to some rural areas, while power outages and water shortages have persisted across affected districts.
Water provision has resumed in parts of Amathole District, although full pumping capacity has not yet been restored.
In OR Tambo District, partial water restoration is underway, with water tankers deployed by municipalities, the Water and Sanitation Department and humanitarian groups.
Mabuyane acknowledged support from international partners including China and the United Arab Emirates, who have pledged humanitarian aid.
Gift of the Givers and the Al-Imdaad Foundation are already on the ground, delivering food, water and medical supplies.
“Our partners have opened their doors, shared what they have, and reminded us that we are stronger when we care for one another. Disasters are not planned. In such times, we must set aside blame and focus on action and compassion,” Mabuyane said.
This year’s Youth Day commemorations were marked by somber reflections in the province.
The King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, which includes Mthatha, described this as “one of the most tragic Youth Months in our history”.
“Yet, in the face of adversity, we are witnessing remarkable resilience, compassion, and unity from our communities,” the municipality stated.
Meanwhile, South African music icon DJ Black Coffee and his Black Coffee Foundation have joined the flood relief efforts, raising R500,000 to assist affected families.
“It’s been humbling to see people who have so little, donate what they can to help others. This is where we need each other. We need all the help we can get,” he said.
The Foundation has provided food, clothing and toiletries to displaced residents since the evacuations.
Authorities continue to call on residents to report missing persons, particularly those last seen around Tuesday last week when the floods began.
Residents and organisations wishing to assist in relief efforts are encouraged to contact local disaster response centres or contribute to verified relief funds.
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