Eastern Cape: Search and recovery efforts are ongoing across the Eastern Cape, following the recent inclement weather. Torrential rains over the past few days have caused devastating landslides and flooding, leaving hundreds of families displaced. The adverse weather has also caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure.
According to South African Government News Agency, Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane updated the media, stating that he has ordered the suspension of all other provincial programs in the province. This decision is to allow Members of the Executive Council (MECs), including himself, to be on the ground to offer support to the affected communities. The OR Tambo District Municipality has endured most of the severe weather, prompting immediate action.
Each MEC is addressing the service delivery needs of affected communities across the province as mop-up operations begin. The provincial government is working with the leadership of the OR Tambo District and King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality to assess the damage, support relief operations, and engage directly with affected families and communities.
The Premier expressed condolences to the families of the 49 people who died in the OR Tambo District, including children whose scholar transport was swept away by floodwaters. In addition, four learners are still missing, as search and rescue operations continue.
Heavy rains in the Amathole District have displaced residents from informal settlements, with many relocated to temporary shelters. The severe weather has also caused power outages in several areas. A multi-disciplinary emergency and rescue services team has been deployed across the province to support recovery efforts.
Efforts to provide shelter, food, psychosocial support services, and other essentials to displaced families are underway through partnerships with the South African Social Service Agency (SASSA), the Department of Social Development, and local municipalities. The Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management (ICDM) is addressing damage to water infrastructure, with water tankers dispatched as needed.
Search and rescue operations for the missing scholars are being led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), while the Department of Education is offering support to affected families. Progress has been made in reopening major roads affected by snowfall and restoring electricity after outages caused by gale-force winds and heavy snow.
Mabuyane commended the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for their forecasts, confirming that the inclement weather is nearing an end. He expressed gratitude to the provincial disaster management teams and residents for their swift response, urging those awaiting assistance to remain patient.
Infrastructure technical teams have been activated to assess the extent of the damage, with 20 health facilities reportedly affected. Road infrastructure assessments are ongoing, with the R58 Khowa to Barkley now open. Motorists are advised to exercise caution due to slippery conditions.
The Premier’s update came ahead of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa’s visit to the province, as the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster.