South Africa floods kill eighty-eight people

2025-06-17 08:54:38

(MENAFN) The death toll from last week’s severe flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has risen to 88, as rescue teams continue their search for missing people, local officials confirmed on Sunday.

This catastrophe followed a harsh winter storm that swept across the predominantly rural region, unleashing heavy rains that caused extensive damage. The city of Mthatha suffered the most, with rivers overflowing and flooding roads and homes, leading to many residents being swept away or trapped, as reported by regional sources.

Authorities declared that a provincial day of mourning will take place on Thursday, June 19, in Decoligny Village near Mthatha to pay respects to the victims.

Officials stated that by Saturday evening, 56 bodies had been returned to families. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane called on the public to report anyone missing since around June 10 in flood-affected areas. He also urged people to avoid unnecessary travel through flood-prone or mountainous regions and to promptly report hazards such as downed power lines and damaged infrastructure.

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