Eastern Cape Flood Disaster: 97 Lives Lost as Province Declares Day of Mourning
The death toll from the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape has risen to 97, with rescue teams recovering another body in the Mthatha River — the region most severely affected by the disaster.
Triggered by relentless heavy rainfall beginning around June 10, 2025, the floods have wreaked havoc across the province, submerging homes, damaging critical infrastructure, and displacing more than 4,000 residents.
Rescue and recovery operations led by the South African National Defence Force, SAPS, and humanitarian groups such as Gift of the Givers are ongoing, particularly along the swollen Mthatha River. Fewer than ten people remain unaccounted for, and search teams continue to comb through flood-hit areas.
In response to the scale of the tragedy, the Eastern Cape provincial government has declared a day of mourning, urging communities to stand in solidarity with the families of the victims. Emergency shelters, food parcels, and trauma support are being provided to those displaced.
Authorities have also called for national support, highlighting the urgent need for clean water, blankets, and rebuilding materials. Meanwhile, meteorologists warn that the region remains vulnerable to further weather-related disruptions as the rainy season continues.
This tragedy stands as one of the worst flood events in the province’s recent history, prompting renewed calls for stronger disaster preparedness and long-term climate resilience planning.
