Jabulile Mbatha15 June 2025 | 10:24

EC flooding death toll climbs to 88 as more bodies recovered

Search and recovery operations have been intensified, as teams deployed in the province search for those who have been missing since the natural disaster occurred on Tuesday.

EC flooding death toll climbs to 88 as more bodies recovered

A home in the Eastern Cape that was destroyed by the recent floods. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - Five more bodies have been recovered in the Eastern Cape, raising the death toll to 88 following flash floods this week. 

This development was confirmed by the provincial government. 

Search and recovery operations have been intensified, as teams deployed in the province search for those who have been missing since the natural disaster occurred on Tuesday.

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Among the bodies recovered on Sunday morning was a 10-year-old girl, who was reported missing from Libode, which is along the R61.

The same road along Mthatha is also where on Tuesday, a 22-seater scholar transport minibus was swept away by the rains.

While emergency services continue the search for more affected people, the provincial government is helping families identify deceased members.

At the same time, those who have lost their homes during the floods are being provided with alternative shelter and given psychosocial support.

Eastern Cape government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie: "Provincial government continues to provide emergency relief to thousands of residents displaced by recent floods in OR Tambo and Amathole municipalities."