The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has pledged ongoing humanitarian support for residents of Mthatha and surrounding areas in the Eastern Cape, where devastating floods have claimed at least 86 lives. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed the death toll, with recovery teams still searching for more victims.
Recovery Operations Underway
Dr. Elias Sithole, head of the NDMC, stated that emergency teams remain in the recovery phase, retrieving bodies and assisting displaced communities.
“We are still in recovery, ensuring all fatalities are accounted for before moving to mop-up operations,” Sithole said in an interview.
Search and rescue teams, alongside SAPS and health officials, have been combing riverbanks and damaged homes. Authorities have praised community cooperation, noting that displaced residents have largely avoided returning to unsafe areas.
Challenges and Relief Efforts
While floodwaters have receded, the NDMC faces logistical hurdles in relocating affected families. Sithole confirmed that temporary shelters currently have sufficient capacity, with medical teams and food supplies in place.
However, long-term solutions are needed, as many homes near riverbanks are now uninhabitable.
“We cannot allow people to return to high-risk areas. We must work with traditional leaders and municipalities to find safer permanent settlements,” Sithole emphasized.
Next Steps
The NDMC plans to collaborate with government agencies to implement urgent relocations, though the process may require extensive community engagement.
As recovery continues, the focus remains on preventing further loss of life while supporting those displaced by one of the Eastern Cape’s deadliest floods in recent years.