Eastern Cape Mourns Flood Victims as Recovery, Aid Efforts Intensify

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government held a solemn Provincial Day of Mourning on Thursday, 19 June 2025, to honour the lives lost during the devastating floods that struck the region last week. The ceremony, hosted at the King Sabatha Dalindyebo Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in Mthatha, brought together government leaders, grieving families, and community members in a unified act of remembrance.

As of the day of mourning, the death toll stood at 92, with Mthatha in the OR Tambo District Municipality accounting for 68 fatalities, making it the most heavily affected area. Among the victims was a teenage girl whose body was recovered from the Mthatha River just a day prior.

A Day of Reflection and Unity

The provincial ceremony was marked by tributes, prayers, and messages of condolence to the families of the victims. Government officials emphasised that the event was not only to mourn the dead but also to stand in solidarity with the thousands of survivors whose lives were upended by the floods.

“Today, we grieve as a province. We come together to reflect, honour, and commit ourselves to rebuilding,” said Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, who addressed mourners and pledged continued support to affected communities.

Identification of Victims and Search Efforts Continue

According to provincial spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie, progress has been made in the identification of victims. Out of the 92 bodies recovered:

• 86 have been positively identified

• 83 have already been claimed by family members

• 5 remain unidentified

Rantjie urged families with missing relatives to report to the nearest police station to assist ongoing search and identification efforts, which continue as some individuals remain unaccounted for.

Thousands Displaced, Urgent Relief Underway

The floods left a trail of destruction across the Eastern Cape, rendering over 4,308 people homeless. The provincial government, in collaboration with local municipalities and national departments, is intensifying efforts to provide emergency relief and shelter.

Key measures underway include:

• Provision of Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) for displaced families

• Distribution of food parcels, blankets, and hygiene products

• Deployment of social workers and trauma counsellors to affected areas

Humanitarian efforts have been bolstered by contributions from civil society, businesses, and international donors. Premier Mabuyane expressed deep gratitude for the solidarity shown by fellow South Africans and global partners.

Infrastructure Recovery and Water Restoration Progressing

In parallel with relief operations, infrastructure recovery efforts are in full swing. The OR Tambo District Municipality has reported steady progress in the restoration of water supply systems, with full restoration expected by Friday, 21 June 2025.

In the Amathole District Municipality, critical repairs have been successfully completed at the Butterworth Water Treatment Works, enabling the resumption of water supply to most areas.

However, the government cautioned that high-lying and remote communities are still experiencing limited water access due to pressure fluctuations and infrastructure damage. Stabilisation efforts are ongoing, and additional assessments are being conducted to determine the full extent of infrastructural damage.

A Call for Continued National Support and Resilience

Premier Mabuyane hailed the bravery of emergency personnel and community volunteers who risked their lives to carry out rescue operations and provide aid in dangerous conditions.

“We are encouraged by the outpouring of love and support from all corners of the globe. The Provincial Government remains committed to working alongside municipalities, national departments, and civil society to restore dignity and livelihoods across the province,” he said.

He added that while the scale of the tragedy is immense, it has also revealed the strength and unity of the Eastern Cape’s communities.

Looking Ahead: Building Back Stronger

As recovery efforts progress, the Eastern Cape government has reiterated its long-term commitment to:

• Improving disaster readiness and early warning systems

• Strengthening infrastructure resilience in flood-prone areas

• Ensuring equitable delivery of housing, water, and sanitation services

Thursday’s ceremony served as both a moment of mourning and a pledge to rebuild a stronger, more prepared Eastern Cape—one that honours the lives lost by ensuring such tragedies are mitigated in the future.