Eastern cape: The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has issued an urgent appeal to families in flood-stricken areas to assist in the search for missing loved ones following last month’s devastating floods. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Zolile Williams, emphasized the importance of community involvement during a media briefing on Wednesday.
According to South African Government News Agency, Williams provided an update on the disaster management efforts, stating that 103 people have been confirmed dead, with 100 victims identified and buried. One child remains missing, and rescue teams continue to search for them. Additionally, three bodies have yet to be claimed, with two still unidentified despite efforts through the national population register.
The deceased include several public servants, including five government employees, an educator, two nurses, and two firefighters from the Department of Transport. Williams highlighted the establishment of a dedicated task team to coordinate burial services support for the affected families, including assistance with death registrations, funeral funding, and the provision of various support services.
More than 1,353 displaced individuals are currently housed in Mass Care Centres, with an additional 122 in Temporary Emergency Accommodation. These facilities prioritize vulnerable groups, offering access to essential services such as healthcare, food, and sanitation. The disaster impacted over 6,869 households, with 4,724 homes destroyed and 2,145 partially damaged.
Emergency relief efforts, led by the Departments of Social Development, Health, Education, and SASSA, along with NGOs like Al Imdaad and Gift of the Givers, have provided vital support. SASSA food vouchers have been distributed, and over 2,900 beneficiaries have received psychosocial support through mobile teams and social workers.
The Department of Home Affairs is aiding survivors in rebuilding their lives, processing 1,197 ID card applications and finalizing 103 birth certificate applications. A total of 100 death certificates have been registered and issued.
Williams confirmed that recovery and resilience plans are in motion, with a focus on infrastructure reconstruction aligned with risk reduction principles. Efforts are also underway to enhance climate resilience planning and bolster institutional capacity, including support for frontline responders. The provincial government is actively engaging with potential partners to strengthen its disaster response capabilities while continuing to support victims and responders alike.