EC flooding death toll hits 100 mark
The provincial government has confirmed that 94 bodies have been positively identified, while six remain unidentified.
A school jersey is seen near the Cicira River in Decoligny, just outside Mthatha, where a 22-seater scholar transport minibus was swept off the R61, carrying 13 learners, two other passengers, and the driver. Picture: Mongezi Koko/EWN
MTHATHA - The Eastern Cape floods death toll has risen to 100 as search and recovery operations continue across the province.
The provincial government has confirmed that 94 bodies have been positively identified, while six remain unidentified.
More than three weeks after torrential rains swept through multiple districts, officials say several people are still missing.
With 76 fatalities, the OR Tambo District Municipality recorded the highest number of flood-related deaths compared to the other flood-affected parts of the province.
Overall, the floods claimed the lives of 63 adults and 37 children, including 22 school learners.
The Eastern Cape government says it’s continuing to offer psychosocial support to families and learners affected by the disaster.
Meanwhile, the provincial officials are also working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private partners to roll out aid programmes in the worst-hit areas.
One such intervention in the Mnquma Local Municipality is due to start later this week.
It is reported that 95% of water supply services have been restored in the OR Tambo District Municipality, but parts of Coffee Bay, Mthatha West and Mhlanga remain without supply.