By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has confirmed that the number of fatalities from this week’s devastating floods has risen to 90.
“The latest report has indicated an increase in the number of fatalities from 88 to 90, as previously reported,” said the provincial government in a statement.
Out of the 90 fatalities, 60 are adults and 30 children, while 48 are male and 42 females.
The provincial government has also announced a Provincial Day of Remembrance to be held on 19 June in Decoligny village near Mthatha.
“This solemn occasion is dedicated to honoring the memory of all the individuals who tragically lost their lives during these floods,” said provincial government spokesperson, Khuselwa Rantjie.
She said that the Premier Lubabalo Mabuyane has also postponed all non-essential programmes, and events that were scheduled for that day in the province.
Rantjie said post mortems have been completed with 83 bodies having been positively identified by families and five have yet to be identified.
“About 56 bodies have been released to families at the end of the day on Saturday.
“The provincial government remains in close contact with affected families to provide necessities and psychosocial support,” added Rantjie.
Government efforts in providing emotional support to the bereaved families have been bolstered by support from the South African Council of Churches which continues to offer prayers and spiritual healing to the families.
The provincial government recognises the profound pain and loss suffered by the affected families and communities, and it remains committed to standing with them in this difficult time.
The Eastern Cape government is urgently appealing to residents to report persons who went missing around Tuesday, in the areas that were affected by the severe weather conditions, to law enforcement as rescue operations continue.
Meanwhile Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe visited Mthatha, saying the visit is to make sure that flood victims are getting some kind of relief.
Tolashe engaged with flood victims.
“In the centre of all this we agreed that we must bring our internal audit committees so that, as we spend, they can assist and look closely whether we are spending accordingly,” she said.