The official death toll from the devastating floods sweeping through the Eastern Cape has risen to 78, marking one of the province’s most tragic natural disasters in recent memory.
Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa confirmed the updated figure during an interview with SABC News on Thursday evening, following ongoing recovery efforts.
"I can confirm [that] the figure has gone to 78 now. This means we are in a crisis— a real disaster, beyond just the floods," Hlabisa said.
The severe weather, which unleashed torrential rains across the region earlier this week, has displaced over 10,000 people, particularly in the OR Tambo and Amathole district municipalities.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit the affected communities on Friday to assess the scale of destruction and coordinate government support.
"I will be going there to see exactly how our people are suffering, how we can console the families, and how we can come up with assistance measures from a disaster point of view to give real support to those who have suffered [losses]," the President said.
Mthatha, one of the hardest-hit areas, accounts for more than 60 of the reported fatalities.
The Public Servants Association (PSA) has voiced serious concern over the long-term implications of the disaster, warning that vulnerable infrastructure has failed under pressure.
"There is an urgent need for long-term investment in resilient infrastructure," said PSA spokesperson Claude Naiker. "We call on all spheres of government to deploy emergency services and humanitarian relief without delay."
Naiker further emphasized the need to restore access to vital public services, including clinics, schools, and government offices, while also ensuring the safety of frontline public servants working under hazardous conditions.
"An urgent infrastructure assessment must be conducted to prevent further risk to communities already reeling from loss and displacement," he added.
As rescue and relief operations continue, government agencies and civil society are rallying resources to support those affected, even as fears mount that the toll—both human and infrastructural—may yet increase.