MTHATHA, SOUTH AFRICA – The Eastern Cape provincial government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting flood victims after recent floods claimed the lives of at least 92 people and left over 4,300 residents homeless. The devastating disaster has triggered widespread grief and a renewed call for resilience and coordinated relief efforts.
According to SABC News, a memorial service was held in Mthatha to honour the deceased, where government officials, community members, and faith leaders gathered to mourn and remember those lost. The somber ceremony came as search operations continue, with some families still looking for missing loved ones.
Acting Premier Mlungisi Mvoko, speaking at the memorial, extended condolences to affected families and pledged that no community would be left behind in the province’s recovery efforts. He called on all government departments and partners to work tirelessly to ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable.
“The government will stand with you, not just today, but until full recovery is achieved,” said Mvoko. “We must ensure that all support — food, shelter, clothing, and infrastructure — goes directly to those who have lost everything.”
The floods, described as some of the worst in recent memory, struck several towns across the province, with Mthatha being the hardest hit. The town accounts for 68 of the total deaths, and dozens of homes were completely washed away by torrential rains.
In total, over 4,300 people are reported to have been displaced, with many currently being housed in temporary shelters. Humanitarian organisations and government disaster management teams are continuing to provide emergency relief, including food parcels, mattresses, and clean water.
The government has also activated all three spheres — national, provincial, and local — to fast-track infrastructure repairs, especially damaged roads, bridges, and drainage systems that collapsed under the intense flooding. Engineers and contractors have been deployed to assess the damage and begin reconstruction.
Mvoko said the full scale of the disaster is still being assessed, but confirmed that international support and donations have begun pouring in. “Support has come in from all corners of the globe, and we are grateful for the solidarity during this difficult time,” he added.
Residents, many of whom lost family members, homes, and belongings, say they are trying to rebuild their lives but need more support, especially with winter approaching. In communities like Norwood, Northcrest, and Ngangelizwe, people described being caught off guard as floodwaters surged into their homes in the middle of the night.
“We had to grab the children and run. There was no time to take anything,” said a resident of Ngangelizwe. “Everything we owned was swept away.”
In addition to providing emergency aid, the provincial government is working to ensure long-term solutions are put in place, including climate-resilient housing, improved stormwater drainage, and early warning systems to better prepare communities for extreme weather.
Government spokespersons confirmed that plans are underway to reallocate budgets toward rebuilding efforts and that temporary accommodation sites are being set up in safer locations to prevent a repeat of such tragedies.
Mvoko also appealed to communities and local leaders to remain united and vigilant, emphasizing that flood risks are likely to increase due to the effects of climate change.
“This is not just a natural disaster. It’s a call to rethink how we build, plan, and protect vulnerable communities,” he said.
A Day of Mourning will be observed province-wide, beginning on Thursday, to pay tribute to the victims. Flags will be flown at half-mast, and moments of silence will be observed in schools, government buildings, and places of worship.
As search, recovery, and rebuilding efforts continue, the Eastern Cape government has called for national solidarity and urged South Africans to donate to registered organisations assisting flood victims.
