What began as just another winter storm has turned into one of the worst disasters the Eastern Cape has ever faced.
As rescue workers continue to pull bodies from the mud and wreckage, the death toll from devastating floods in South Africa has now climbed to at least 78 people—and the number is still rising.
A Deadly Storm Wreaks Havoc Across the Eastern Cape
It all started on Monday when a bitterly cold storm, packed with heavy rain and strong winds, slammed into the Eastern Cape province.
The rural region, already vulnerable due to its limited infrastructure, was no match.
Rivers burst their banks, makeshift homes crumbled, and entire communities were submerged in muddy floodwaters.
The city of Mthatha, about 800 kilometers south of Johannesburg, was especially hard-hit.
Three days after the worst of the storm, families were still digging through what remained of their homes, hoping to recover whatever they could.
Heartbreaking Discoveries as Bodies Are Recovered
On Thursday afternoon, rescue teams made another grim discovery.
As onlookers stood by in shock, four bodies—including children—were pulled from a single-room house.
The surrounding area was caked in mud.
Trees had been uprooted, cars buried, and debris scattered as far as the eye could see.
Caroline Gallant, who manages operations for the South African Red Cross in the region, confirmed that more bodies are being found as the floodwaters begin to recede.
So far, more than 3,000 homes have been impacted.
“This is the worst disaster we’ve ever seen here,” she told AFP.
Schoolchildren Among the Victims
Among the most devastating losses were young school students.
According to Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, six children who had been in a school van swept away by floodwaters have been confirmed dead, with four others still missing.
Later in the day, Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube shared more heartbreaking news: two more learners had died while walking to school.
“We are reeling,” she said during an emotional interview.
President Ramaphosa to Visit Disaster Zone
President Cyril Ramaphosa described the floods as “unprecedented” and confirmed he would visit the affected region on Friday.
As the country mourns, disaster relief teams are racing against time to provide aid—and possibly find more survivors.
Rescue Teams Going House to House
One member of a rescue unit, speaking anonymously to AFP, revealed they are conducting door-to-door searches in devastated neighborhoods.
“We’re checking every house,” he said.
“Yesterday, we found people who had died inside, unable to escape.”
The provincial government reported that around 600 people have been displaced, many of them now taking refuge in community centers and halls.
Meanwhile, essential services have been severely affected, with at least 20 health facilities damaged, and power and water lines down in several areas.
Relief Efforts Strained as Needs Grow
Ali Sablay, from the Gift of the Givers Foundation, said the number of people in need has doubled in just one day—from 5,000 to 10,000.
“The homes are collapsing. The food is contaminated. These families need to be moved,” he said.
And the outlook isn’t much better. The government is warning South Africans to brace for more extreme weather in the coming days, urging caution and preparedness.
Poverty and Climate Change Worsen the Impact
The Eastern Cape is one of the most economically disadvantaged areas in the country.
According to the Southern African Regional Poverty Network, 72% of the population lives below the poverty line.
This vulnerability, coupled with the increasing threat of climate change, has made the region particularly susceptible to disasters like this one.
“We need to take a tough stance,” said Hlabisa.
“Anyone living on a flood plain must be moved. Climate change is a reality now.”
A Nation Mourns, but More Challenges Lie Ahead
As South Africans come to terms with the scale of the disaster, the need for action is clearer than ever—both in emergency response and in long-term planning.
From inadequate housing to climate-related risks, the Eastern Cape’s tragedy has highlighted just how urgently change is needed.