A devastating wave of floods has swept through South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, claiming at least 49 lives in what officials are calling one of the region’s worst natural disasters in recent memory. The toll may rise further as rescue teams continue to search for the missing amid the wreckage.
The floods, driven by relentless rain and rare snowfall, have left a trail of destruction. Homes, schools, and hospitals across the province have been damaged or destroyed, forcing hundreds to flee to temporary shelters. Entire communities are struggling to cope with the aftermath as roads remain washed out and essential services disrupted.
Premier Oscar Mabuyane confirmed the grim figures, warning that more bodies may yet be found as the search continues. “The situation remains precarious,” he said. “Our teams are uncovering new damage and tragic losses with every passing hour.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his sorrow at the tragedy and assured citizens that national and local disaster teams are working urgently to assist survivors and restore basic services. Emergency relief efforts are underway, but the scale of the destruction has left authorities stretched thin.
As the province reels from the floods, questions are being raised about climate resilience and infrastructure readiness in the face of increasingly extreme weather events—a challenge South Africa and many other nations are now confronting with growing urgency.