At least 90 people have died in devastating floods that struck South Africa’s Eastern Cape province last week, officials confirmed Monday.
Rescue teams are still searching for victims amid scenes of widespread destruction across the impoverished region battered by heavy rains and fierce winds.
President Cyril Ramaphosa described the disaster as “catastrophic,” linking the flooding to the relentless impact of climate change on the country.
Floodwaters soared over four metres high, swallowing homes and sweeping away vehicles, including a school bus carrying six children, of whom three were rescued.
The Eastern Cape government reported that 30 of the victims were children, underlining the tragic human cost of the disaster.
More than 2,600 residents have been left homeless and are currently housed in temporary shelters as recovery efforts continue.
Mthatha, a city near Nelson Mandela’s birthplace, Qunu, bore the brunt of the floods and landslides, with roads, schools, and health facilities submerged in mud.
Many residents escaped by climbing onto rooftops, while others were trapped inside their homes when the waters surged during the night.
Though winter usually brings snow and rain to South Africa, the coastal region experienced unprecedented weather, overwhelming local infrastructure and communities.
Experts from the Green Climate Fund warn South Africa is highly vulnerable to extreme weather, a trend intensified by global climate change.
As cleanup efforts proceed, the scale of destruction reveals the urgent need for climate adaptation and disaster preparedness across vulnerable regions.