Eastern Cape Flood Death Toll Rises to 88 as Search Efforts Intensify
The death toll from the deadly floods that ravaged parts of the Eastern Cape last week has risen to 88, with search and rescue operations ongoing.
Authorities continue to comb through flooded areas in a desperate effort to locate those still missing.
Also Read: Startling Video: Unbelievable Moment as Golden Arrow Bus Overturned in Cape Town Amid Floods
SAPS Airwing and Rescue Divers Recover More Bodies
On Sunday, Ahmed Bham, head of the Gift of the Givers search and rescue unit, confirmed on Newzroom Afrika that their teams had made additional discoveries with critical help from the South African Police Service (SAPS) airwing.
“We were flying over Mthatha Dam and the surrounding rivers when we spotted two bodies.
“While hovering and doing our searches, we saw that something was odd in the water. We sent in our rescue diver and he confirmed it was a third body,” Bham said.
According to Bham, teams on the ground — including K9 units and boats known as “crocs” — are also combing both banks of the Mthatha River.
Police Minister Confirms Rising Toll
The death toll, which stood at 78 on Friday, increased to 88 by Saturday, according to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who made the announcement during a meeting with police and rescue teams.
SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe reported that more than 38 people have been rescued so far, but the focus now is on locating those still unaccounted for.
Families Search Morgues as President Visits Flood Zones
As the recovery operation continues, families are scouring local morgues in hopes of identifying missing loved ones, SABC News reported. The flash floods struck in the early hours of Tuesday morning, engulfing large parts of Mthatha and nearby communities.
On Friday, President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the affected areas to meet with survivors and emergency responders
He offer his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families during his address.