Death Toll in South Africa Floods Rises to 78 as Rescue Efforts…

Heavy rains in the Eastern Cape flood zone have resulted in a tragic death toll of at least 78. Thousands of homes are affected, with growing demands for assistance. The floods have severely impacted the community, leading to displacement and infrastructure damage. Officials warn of more severe weather on the horizon as they confront the realities of climate change.

Mthatha, South Africa – The death toll from the recent devastating floods has now reached at least 78, with rescue teams recovering more bodies as the aftermath of severe weather continues to unfold. The Eastern Cape province was hit hard by a winter storm that unleashed heavy rains and strong winds on Monday, triggering rivers to overflow and inundating homes in the surrounding area.

Three days later, residents of Mthatha are wading through mud to salvage belongings from their devastated homes. The city, located roughly 800 kilometers south of Johannesburg, saw some of the worst damage with makeshift structures destroyed. AFP journalists reported witnessing crews pulling four bodies from a single-room house, evoking sorrow among local onlookers.

Caroline Gallant, the Eastern Cape manager with the South African Red Cross Society, described the scene, sharing that over 3,000 homes had been impacted by the flooding. “This is the worst ever disaster recorded in the area,” she stated, underlining the local devastation.

Velenkosini Hlabisa, the minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs, confirmed the rising death toll during a broadcast on SABC News, noting that among the deceased were six school children, part of the ten who were swept away in a school van during the disaster. Four of those children remain missing, according to officials. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube expressed the community’s grief, saying, “We are reeling.”

On Thursday, disaster response charity Gift of the Givers Foundation reported that their teams had found eight new bodies—three of which were children. President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the floods as “unprecedented” and indicated plans to visit the impacted region on Friday.

One anonymous rescuer shared insights that his team anticipates finding additional victims, or potential survivors, as they conduct door-to-door searches. “Yesterday, we found individuals locked in houses who couldn’t escape and were deceased,” he revealed.

The storm has wreaked havoc on infrastructure as well, damaging power and water lines, displacing at least 600 individuals, who now seek refuge in community centers. The local authorities confirmed that approximately 20 health facilities were also adversely affected. Ali Sablay stated that assistance needs had rapidly escalated, with the number of people requiring help doubling within a day.

The government is urging residents to stay alert for more extreme weather as forecasts warn of additional storms. The Eastern Cape, notably home to Nelson Mandela, struggles with poverty, as 72 percent of its population lives below the poverty line, according to statistics from the Southern African Regional Poverty Network.

While winter brings its fair share of snow and rain, South Africa grapples with the challenges of climate variability, which heightens risks of severe weather events like droughts and floods. In light of the current crisis, Minister Hlabisa emphasized, “We must take a tough stance that everyone who is living on a floodplain must be removed. Climate change is a reality now.”

In conclusion, the aftermath of the catastrophic floods in Eastern Cape reflects extensive loss and suffering, revealing vulnerabilities in infrastructure and poverty levels in South Africa. As rescue efforts continue and the local communities strive to recover, officials are aware of the urgent need to address climate change impacts in the region. The government’s calls for vigilance highlight the increasing threat of extreme weather as a critical concern for South Africans moving forward.

Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com