By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa to visit flood-affected areas in the Eastern Cape following rising casualties and damage to infrastructure caused by the severe weather.
The death toll has risen to 71, with more than 1,000 people displaced.
Speaking at a summit in Cape Town, Ramaphosa said the government must build much needed capacity to effectively manage disasters in the long term.
“The Eastern Cape is suffering from the floods that is unprecedented. I will be going there tomorrow to see how our people are suffering, and how we can console the families,” he said.
Meanwhile, in an update Thursday afternoon, Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane, said 61 of the fatalities were reported in the O.R. Tambo district, while 10 deaths were reported in the Amathole area.
The premier said a process is underway to formally identify the deceased.
“Approximately 1,000 people have been displaced in the Amathole district alone and are being sheltered in community facilities.
“Relief measures including food, blankets, and water have been distributed.
“The provincial government, working with municipalities and social partners, continues to provide essential services to affected residents,” Mabuyane said.
He said 38 people were rescued in Mthatha through the combined efforts of EMS, SAPS, and volunteer organisations and that two helicopters, search and rescue vehicles, K9 units, and technical rescue teams have also been deployed.
“Furthermore, at least 127 schools across 10 districts and about 20 health facilities have suffered damage.
Assessment and mapping of affected schools are ongoing, while restoration efforts for power, water supply, and road infrastructure are currently underway with the support of engineering teams,” the Premier said.
In neighbouring KwaZulu-Natal, 68 schools across nine districts have been damaged but no fatalities have been recorded.
The heavy snow, rains and gale force winds have also left nearly 500,000 homes without electricity since Tuesday – and state-owned power provider Eskom says efforts are being made to restore connections.
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