Process of identifying bodies continues in Mthatha following devastating floods

MTHATHA - Families in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape have begun identifying the bodies of their loved ones who have died as a result of flooding.
 
Heavy rains triggered localised floods, destroying homes and structures, and claiming more than 70 lives.
 
On Tuesday, emergency services intensified their efforts after a minibus carrying 13 children was swept away on the R61.
 
Cooperative Governance Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has classified the aftermath a disaster, paving the way for national support and resources to be deployed.
 
This as mop-up operations continue across parts of Mthatha and other affected regions in the Eastern Cape.
 
Hlabisa urged families to come forward to identify their loved ones, stressing the need for proper documentation.
 
“You need to correctly identify yourself before you can identify the deceased. Now some people will go there (to the mortuary) with no documents.”

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit the flood-stricken areas in the province on Friday.
 
SASSA

The South African Social Security Agency has committed to giving resources to families devastated by flash floods in the Eastern Cape.

SASSA said displaced families are now receiving hot meals, vanity packs and baby supplies at three temporary sites.

SASSA spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said, “To this end, SASSA is active on three established sites where about 229 people are served with three nutritious meals on a daily basis. Reinforcing the agency's commitment to immediate food security. In addition, 229 vanity packs and five baby packs have been procured and distributed to meet essential personal and infant care needs.”

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