By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The death toll of the devastating floods that ravished parts of the Eastern Cape this week, has risen to 88, is expected to increase.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government says 83 bodies having been positively identified by families and five bodies are yet to been identified.
Premier Lubabalo Mabuyane said that local authorities struggled to launch an effective rescue effort as the province lacks resources. For instance, it only has one rescue helicopter, which had to fly in from Gqeberha, over 500 kilometers away.
The floods have caused extensive damage in the Mthatha and Butterworth areas, and are believed to have displaced nearly 10,000 people.
Charity organisation Gift of the Givers has deployed rescue personnel to affected areas in order to assist with the search for missing persons. It also deployed two water trucks to Butterworth, after its water supply was cut off following damage to the water treatment plant.
Gift of the Givers Project Manager, Ali Sablay said residents of informal settlements in the area had been given shelter in community halls as a temporary measure.
This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa, national ministers and provincial government officials led by Mabuyane visited affected areas, including the worst-hit village in Mthatha, Dicolyn, on Friday.
He addressed about 100 displaced residents at the Sinolwazi Senior Secondary School
“We are not used to losing so many people at one time, that is why I came to see for myself what happened,” Ramaphosa said.
He said he had received an extensive briefing from Mabuyane, and praised the response from the three spheres of government in helping the victims and searching for those who were still missing.”
Meanwhile the United Nations in South Africa has sent out its “heartfelt” condolences to the families and communities affected by the devastating floods.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Nelson Muffuh, has extended sympathies to all families mourning loved ones. Muffuh has commended the tireless efforts of national and local authorities, emergency responders, and community volunteers who are working around the clock to support those in need.
“This is a time of immense sorrow for many families in the Eastern Cape,” said Muffuh.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and the suffering caused by the floods. We stand in solidarity with the people of South Africa during this difficult time and are prepared to support the government’s response and recovery efforts in any way we can.”
The United Nations continues to monitor the situation closely through its agencies and partners, and remains in contact with the relevant national and provincial authorities to explore areas where support may be needed.
Muffuh said as South Africa confronts this natural disaster, particular attention must be given to the needs of the most vulnerable, including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, who are often disproportionately affected during emergencies.
“These floods are a stark reminder of the growing impact of climate change and the importance of strengthening disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, anticipatory actions, and climate resilience at all levels,” he added.
The United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to working hand-in-hand with the government of South Africa, civil society, and development partners to support inclusive and sustainable recovery, “with dignity and compassion at the center of our collective response”.