Eastern Cape floods death toll climbs to 92 as province holds day of mourning

The death toll from last week’s flooding in the Eastern Cape has risen to 92.

Sithandiw Velaphi/News24

The death toll from last week’s flooding in the Eastern Cape has risen to 92 after the recovery of two more bodies on Wednesday night.

One of the two bodies was that of a teenage girl,Premier Oscar Mabuyane said in a statement. It was discovered along the Mthatha River.

Mthatha is the hardest-hit part of the province,with 68 of the 92 fatalities.

“Progress has been made with the processing of the bodies,as 86 bodies have now been positively identified,with 83 collected by family members,” Mabuyane said.

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He urged people to report any missing persons to their nearest police stations.

“The provincial government continues to work tirelessly to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to 4 308 individuals who have been left homeless across the province,and processes are under way to ensure the provision of temporary residential units. Significant progress has also been made in the restoration of critical infrastructure,” he said.

The premier said an intensive response and recovery effort was under way across all three spheres of government.

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The assessment and quantification of damages were ongoing.

“We are encouraged by the outpouring of love and support from all corners of the globe. The provincial government remains committed to working alongside municipalities,national departments,and civil society to restore dignity and livelihoods across the province,” he added.

A day of mourning is being held in Mthatha on Thursday for those who died in the flooding.