South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province is reeling from catastrophic flooding that has now claimed at least 67 lives, Government officials confirmed on June 12. Ten more bodies were recovered during ongoing search and rescue operations, adding to the earlier toll of 57. Zolile Williams, a provincial minister, said authorities are coordinating with the families of the deceased while working urgently to restore damaged basic services, including water and electricity. Cabinet Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa underscored the human cost, describing the toll as not merely statistical, but a devastating loss of life affecting entire households.
One of the most heart-wrenching incidents involved a school minibus carrying 13 students from Jumba Senior Secondary School, which was swept away by floodwaters on Tuesday. Six students have been confirmed dead, while three were rescued. The remaining four are still unaccounted for. The disaster has displaced hundreds of residents who are now being housed in emergency shelters such as community halls. The flooding follows days of severe weather marked by relentless rain, heavy snow, and strong winds that have devastated infrastructure and homes across the region.
Describing the event as the worst flood in the province’s history, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and other officials have appealed for national solidarity and support. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who extended condolences to grieving families, is expected to visit the province on Friday. Meanwhile, harrowing scenes continue to unfold as families queue at mortuaries in search of their missing loved ones, amplifying the tragedy’s emotional toll.