Premier Oscar Mabuyane has confirmed during a media briefing the rising death toll from the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape has climbed to 49. He described the situation as one of the most painful tragedies that hit the province in recent years. The floods, driven by relentless rain, strong winds, and landslides, have wreaked havoc, particularly across the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities.
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Mabuyane confirmed that 39 deaths had occurred in the OR Tambo District alone, including schoolchildren who were swept away in a flooded minibus taxi while on the way to school. “We have convened this briefing to update the people of OR Tambo, people of the Eastern Cape, and South Africa about what has happened this side of the country,” said Mabuyane. “Indeed, it is with a heavy heart that I address you during this difficult and painful time for our province. “The number of people confirmed to have been in the minibus is 13 learners with two adults, the driver and the assistant. Sadly, four of those learners have been confirmed to be deceased, together with the driver and the conductor of the minibus taxi. Four learners are still missing.”
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Authorities and rescue teams remain on the ground conducting search and recovery operations in the worst-hit areas. The Premier also confirmed that all MECs have been deployed to focus on service delivery needs and mop-up operations in affected areas. “When we learned of the extent of the devastation visited by adverse weather and understood the magnitude of what has transpired, as Premier, I immediately called for the suspension of other government programs in the province,” Mabuyane said. “All members of the executive council, as you can observe, are here to be able to provide first-hand support and be with our people on the ground. As of now, the status has escalated to 49 as per the South African Police Services. The numbers are just escalating, hour after hour,” Mabuyane added.
