A month after the devastating floods that hit OR Tambo and Amathole district municipalities and other parts of the Eastern Cape, emergency services are still searching for the body of a child who was swept away.
This was revealed by the province’s MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zolile Williams, while giving the latest update on disaster management response and recovery.
Williams said the floods on 9 and 10 June brought devastation beyond the two districts as some parts of Alfred Nzo, Chris Hani District, Joe Gqabi and Sarah Baartman Municipalities were also affected.
He then revealed that, as the province is still reeling following the disaster, they have not stopped searching for the missing child.
“The total number of people who lost their lives in this tragic weather event remains at one hundred and three. One hundred of them have been positively identified and have been laid to rest with dignity. One child is still missing, and the rescue teams are still searching.
“Three bodies remain unclaimed, two of which have not been positively identified through the national population register. The deceased include five government employees, one educator and two nurses, as well as two firefighters from the Department of Transport,” Williams said.
He added that more than 6869 households across the province were affected by the disaster.
“Of these, 4724 homes were destroyed, leaving thousands without shelter whilst 2145 homes were partially damaged. In a coordinated response led by the Departments of Social Development, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Health, and Education, alongside non-governmental organisations such as Al Imdaad, Gift of the Givers provided support to the affected families and individuals. Beneficiaries were issued SASSA food vouchers to alleviate immediate food insecurity.
“To date, more than 1353 displaced individuals have been accommodated across Mass Care Centres and 122 in Temporary Emergency Accommodation, prioritising the most vulnerable groups, with full access to healthcare, food, sanitation, dignity packs, mattresses, blankets, and school uniforms. Numbers at Mass Care Centres are decreasing as people either seek shelter with their relatives or go back to their houses as they become habitable.”
