86 People Reported Dead In Eastern Cape Floods

Authorities have reported that 86 people have died in the Eastern Cape floods and the number keeps growing.

Catastrophic flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has resulted in 86 confirmed deaths, with over 1,000 residents displaced from their homes, according to latest government reports.

Many people have been reported missing and authorities are preparing to get more death reports and discover more bodies.

Government Confirms 86 People Dead In Eastern Cape Floods

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu announced the updated death toll following an assessment meeting with national police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola and local Mthatha authorities.

Emergency teams continue search-and-rescue operations across the devastated region, where infrastructure damage is estimated in the billions of rand.

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“Our officers remain committed to relief efforts,” Mchunu stated. “These actions demonstrate government’s presence during this humanitarian crisis, despite unfounded claims about the disaster’s causes.”

86 people dead in Eastern Cape floods-Image Source@timeslive

Municipality Denies Dam Gate Allegations

OR Tambo district officials have strongly refuted social media speculation suggesting improper operation of Mthatha Dam’s sluice gates exacerbated the flooding. Mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana condemned the rumours as “dangerous misinformation that hinders relief work.”

“Such baseless theories create unnecessary panic when our focus should be on supporting affected communities,” Ngqondwana emphasized.

The municipality has deployed additional water trucks to assist residents while assessing the full extent of the damage.

President Ramaphosa’s Visit to the Disaster Zone

President Cyril Ramaphosa joined Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and national ministers in touring the hardest-hit areas, including Dicolyn village. Addressing displaced survivors at Sinolwazi Senior Secondary School, the president expressed national grief over the unprecedented loss of life.

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“Losing so many citizens simultaneously is profoundly shocking,” Ramaphosa said after receiving disaster briefings. “The coordinated response across government levels shows our capacity to handle such emergencies, though the human cost remains devastating.”

The president indicated authorities are considering an official day of mourning to honour flood victims, while search operations continue for missing persons amidst the widespread destruction.