EC floods death toll would be worse if not for rescue teams’ response - Ramaphosa

DECOLIGNY - President Cyril Ramaphosa said the death toll from the Eastern Cape floods would have been far worse if not for the heroic response of rescue teams.

The president praised local and national disaster crews, saying their swift action saved many lives, even as dozens died in the floods.

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The official death toll has climbed to at least 86, with rescue workers still searching for those swept away in flash floods earlier this week.

Ramaphosa toured some of the hardest-hit areas in Mthatha, where entire homes were washed away and villages were cut off by damaged infrastructure.

Muddy roads remain nearly impossible to pass through, with families huddled in makeshift shelters and others picking through what’s left of their homes.

In one village, children stood quietly next to collapsed structures, while elders wept openly, describing how their loved ones were swept away in the flood waters.

"We are very, very disturbed that so many people have passed away, but it could’ve been much worse. The response teams acted quickly," said Ramaphosa.

The president was joined by senior ministers and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, who also highlighted the role of local communities in responding to the crisis.

While many families continue to search for missing loved ones, others have begun the hard task of cleaning up, salvaging what they can from the mud and rubble.

Emergency teams remain on high alert.