Mthatha reels as storm fatalities rise to 57, Minister confirms

The death toll from the storm that hit the Eastern Cape this week has risen to 57. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has announced this figure while assessing the damage in the Mthatha area.

Hlabisa says it is catastrophic to witness people dying this way.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit the Eastern Cape on Friday.

EC Floods | Death toll rises to 57 in the Eastern Cape

Missing people

The search for missing people has resumed in Mthatha. Four learners are still missing after floods swept away the minibus taxi they were travelling in.

Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube is among the government officials who are visiting the area. They will also
visit the school and families of the deceased learners.

Gwarube has described the deaths of six learners from the Jumba senior secondary school as devastating.

“The point is to come and stand with our colleagues who are reeling from this tragic loss. We know about 49, of course, all missions and all efforts are targeted to finding these learners so it can bring closure and some kind of healing to the families.”