South Africa declares national disaster as floods claim 92 lives in eastern cape

The South African government has declared a national state of disaster following devastating floods that swept through parts of the Eastern Cape, leaving at least 92 people dead, including 31 children.

Authorities fear the death toll may rise as emergency teams continue search and recovery efforts.

The flooding, caused by days of relentless rainfall, has displaced over 4,000 residents, destroyed critical infrastructure, and cut off essential services in one of the country’s most impoverished provinces.

Among the missing are schoolchildren whose bus was swept away by raging floodwaters. Officials have yet to confirm how many remain unaccounted for.

Local media reported that at least two pupils were on the bus when it was carried off the road, intensifying concern among already distraught families.

“We urge all residents to report any missing persons to local authorities to help emergency responders better coordinate the ongoing search and rescue operations,” an Eastern Cape government spokesperson said.

The province observed a day of mourning on Thursday, with a memorial held at one of the few schools in Mthatha that remained undamaged.

Flags were lowered to half-mast as communities gathered in prayer and remembrance of the victims.

The flooding has not only claimed lives but also caused widespread destruction to homes, roads, and utilities.

Emergency shelters have been established for displaced families, while humanitarian organizations work alongside government agencies to provide food, medical aid, and temporary housing.

The Eastern Cape provincial government confirmed that efforts are underway to restore electricity and water supplies to affected areas.

Engineers and technicians are racing to repair damaged infrastructure, though authorities warn that full recovery will take weeks, if not months.

The declaration of a national disaster enables the government to release emergency funds and mobilize additional resources to support the province.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit the region in the coming days.

South Africa has experienced increasingly extreme weather patterns in recent years, which experts attribute in part to climate change.

The latest tragedy adds urgency to calls for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in vulnerable communities.