Death Toll Climbs to 90 as Eastern Cape Reels from Flooding in South Africa
Catastrophic floods in South Africa’s Eastern Cape have claimed at least 90 lives, including 30 children. Thousands have been displaced and infrastructure is severely damaged. President Ramaphosa has labeled the flooding a “catastrophic disaster,” directly addressing the influence of climate change. Rescue operations are ongoing, but resources are strained. Climate experts warn of increased extreme weather occurrences, highlighting vulnerabilities in affected communities.
In a tragic turn of events, the death toll from devastating floods in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has reached at least 90, including 30 children, as reported by local government officials on Monday. The floods, which hit last week, have left rescue teams scrambling to find additional victims amid widespread destruction. Thousands have been displaced and essential infrastructure has suffered extreme damage, further highlighting the vulnerabilities in this impoverished region.
Among the deceased are six children tragically swept away when a school bus was caught in the raging waters. Reports indicate that three other students managed to survive by clinging to trees until help arrived. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited the disaster-hit area, called the flooding a “catastrophic disaster” and linked the extreme weather conditions to the ongoing effects of climate change. Floodwaters reportedly surmounted four metres (around 13 feet) in some places, obliterating homes and important infrastructure.
The city of Mthatha, located about 800 kilometres (approximately 500 miles) south of Johannesburg, has borne the brunt of these floods. The heavy rains also triggered landslides, complicating rescue operations and leaving many areas cut off from access. Provincial authorities reported that over 2,686 residents are now homeless, temporarily sheltered in accommodation centres. Emergency services are overwhelmed, reportedly facing shortages of both rescue equipment and personnel, further complicating relief efforts.
Ongoing efforts are being implemented to provide essential food, medical aid, and other support to the affected communities. The Eastern Cape government has vowed to offer continuous assistance, alongside national authorities, as the region embarks on a lengthy recovery process. Meanwhile, climate experts issue dire warnings that such extreme weather patterns are set to become more frequent and severe due to global climate change, creating substantial risks for vulnerable communities across southern Africa.
While rescue and relief operations persist, the true extent of the damage remains unclear, leaving many in the community anxious about the future. Meanwhile, the nation grapples with the urgent need for better infrastructure and disaster preparedness strategies to mitigate the effects of such devastating incidents in the future.
The floods in South Africa’s Eastern Cape have led to a confirmed death toll of 90 people, prominently affecting vulnerable communities. With thousands displaced and infrastructure severely damaged, the government and emergency services are struggling to respond adequately. Experts warn that these extreme weather events may become more common due to climate change, emphasizing the need for long-term strategies to support at-risk populations. As recovery efforts continue, the full impact of the disaster is still being evaluated.
Original Source: ilkha.com
