The death toll from this week’s devastating floods has climbed to 49, according to local authorities, as search and recovery teams scour the affected areas for those still missing.
The disaster, which struck communities along the Mthatha river, has left a trail of destruction, with homes destroyed, vehicles swept away, and entire villages submerged. Rescue teams are struggling with strong currents and high water levels as they work to recover victims and assess the full extent of the damage.
Extensive Damage and Ongoing Search
A reporter described the challenges facing emergency responders.
“The river is still flowing strongly, and the current is high,” she said, pointing to collapsed structures and vehicles caught in the wreckage. “The search teams have a huge area to cover—some bodies and debris have been carried nearly two kilometers downstream.”
Footage from the area showed cars lodged in rubble, uprooted trees, and buildings reduced to ruins. One vehicle was seen trapped inside a collapsed structure, illustrating the sheer force of the floodwaters.
Displaced Families and Rising Toll
Local leaders confirmed that displacement figures are growing, with at least 86 people sheltered in community centers overnight.
“It’s a catastrophic situation,” the Premier said. “We’ve been working through the night to assist survivors, but unconfirmed reports suggest the death toll may have risen to around 50.”
Authorities are coordinating relief efforts, providing blankets, clothing, and temporary housing for those who lost their homes. However, with water levels still dangerously high, the full scale of the disaster remains unclear.
Ongoing Updates
As rescue operations continue, officials warn that the number of casualties may still rise. The community remains on high alert, with emergency teams working around the clock to locate survivors and recover victims.
This is a developing story. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.