E Cape Flood Death Toll Rises to 102 as Recovery and Aid Efforts Intensify

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has confirmed that the death toll from the catastrophic floods that struck the province earlier this month has risen to 102, as search and recovery operations continue across the region. The update reflects an increase of one fatality since the previous official report on 26 June, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian and logistical challenges in the aftermath of one of the worst weather-related disasters in the province's recent history.

Search and rescue teams, bolstered by coordinated aerial support from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) helicopters, are working tirelessly to locate any remaining victims, with particular urgency surrounding the case of two missing children believed to have been swept away during the floods.

District-Wise Casualty Breakdown

The devastation has been widespread, but the O.R. Tambo District remains the hardest-hit, accounting for 78 of the 102 fatalities. Other affected districts include:

• Amathole – 10 fatalities

• Chris Hani – 5 fatalities

• Alfred Nzo – 5 fatalities

• Joe Gqabi – 2 fatalities

• Sarah Baartman – 2 fatalities

Tragically, of the 102 deceased, 63 were adults and 39 were children, illustrating the devastating toll the floods have taken on vulnerable populations, particularly young lives.

Of these, 96 bodies have been positively identified and handed over to grieving families, while six remain unidentified, largely due to decomposition. DNA testing may be required in these cases, potentially delaying final closure for the families involved.

Shelter, Health, and Psychosocial Support for Survivors

The Eastern Cape government has mobilized significant resources to support the displaced families who lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. Many are currently housed in community care centres and temporary accommodation in and around Mthatha (O.R. Tambo District Municipality) and Butterworth (Amathole District Municipality).

• The Department of Health is maintaining a sustained presence at these shelters, offering essential medical services directly at the sites of displacement.

• The Department of Social Development, in collaboration with private sector partners, is providing psychosocial support to affected families and schools, focusing on trauma counselling for children and parents coping with immense loss.

• The Department of Home Affairs has deployed mobile units to help survivors replace essential documents such as ID cards and birth certificates, which were lost or destroyed in the floods. To date, 478 ID replacement applications have been submitted, facilitated by three mobile units in each of the two most affected districts.

Efforts Toward Dignified Burials and Mourning Support

With the official death toll now exceeding a hundred, authorities are also ensuring that victims are laid to rest with dignity. Fifty-six flood victims have been buried so far, with provincial departments assisting families in managing the logistics and costs associated with funerals.

“We continue to offer heartfelt sympathies to all the families of the bereaved and are committed to providing comprehensive support for dignified burials,” the provincial government said.

Declared National Disaster: Recovery and Water Supply Interventions

Following the scale of destruction, the Eastern Cape has officially been declared a national disaster zone. This designation has unlocked additional emergency funding and resources from national departments and humanitarian organisations, enhancing the capacity for sustained relief and recovery operations.

Access to clean water remains a major challenge in many affected areas. Partial restoration has been achieved in some parts of OR Tambo, while water tankers continue to supply the region, dispatched by:

• Local municipalities

• The Department of Water and Sanitation

• The humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers

These water relief operations are critical in preventing secondary health crises such as waterborne diseases, particularly in temporary shelters where sanitation is a concern.

A Community Rebuilding from Tragedy

As rescue teams persist in their search for the remaining missing individuals and the toll of devastation becomes more apparent, communities across the Eastern Cape are rallying together in resilience. Civil society, government, and humanitarian organizations continue to collaborate, providing food, water, emotional support, and logistical assistance.

The provincial government has reiterated its commitment to long-term recovery, infrastructure rebuilding, and enhancing early warning systems to mitigate future climate-related disasters. With climate change intensifying the frequency and severity of such events, authorities are calling for renewed focus on disaster preparedness, resilience building, and sustainable development.