By Akani Nkuna
Nearly three weeks following the devastating Eastern Cape floods, the death toll continues to rise. The provincial government has confirmed that 102 people have died.
It said on Monday that 96 bodies have been identified and handed over to their families. Six people are yet to be identified.
“Due to the passage of time, DNA tests may be required to positively identify bodies found decomposed thus implying that it may take longer to identify the deceased,” provincial government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie said in a statement on Monday.
Rantjie said search and recovery efforts were ongoing.
“The South African Police Services (SAPS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) helicopters have been deployed to support the ongoing search and recovery efforts and this coordinated aerial support aims to intensify the search for possible more victims including two children still missing.”
Mobile units from Home Affairs have also been sent out to help affected families replace important documents like IDs and certificates to ensure they can access services without leaving their temporary homes.
Health officials have joined in offering medical services at the shelters and nearby communities.
Similarly, the Department of Social Development, which is supported by private sector partners, is delivering psychosocial support to grieving families and schools impacted by the floods.
The Eastern Cape government continues to provide food, shelter and other basic services to families. They are mainly in care centres and lodges around Mthatha and Butterworth.
OR Tambo remains the hardest hit with 78 fatalities, Amathole 10, Alfred Nzo five, Joe Gqabi two, Sarah Baartman two, and Chris Hani five.
Among the deceased are 32 pupils. A total of 49 men and 53 women have died.
Only 56 victims have been buried.
INSIDE POLITICS