South Africa declared a national state of disaster on Thursday, June 19, as the death toll from severe flooding in the Eastern Cape climbed to 92. The announcement was made following catastrophic rains that battered the region from June 9, leading to widespread destruction of infrastructure and the displacement of thousands. A memorial service and provincial Day of Mourning were held at King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET College in Mthatha, where local authorities, mourners, and religious leaders gathered to honour the victims. Zolile Williams, a member of the provincial executive, described the devastation as unprecedented, with many families still searching for missing loved ones.
The declaration of a national disaster by the National Disaster Management Centre enables the government to mobilise emergency funds for relief and recovery efforts. In addition to the Eastern Cape, severe weather has also disrupted services and damaged property in KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, and the Free State. President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the hardest-hit areas, where communities—especially those in informal settlements along floodplains—have borne the brunt of the disaster. Authorities have come under criticism for the state of local infrastructure and the adequacy of the emergency response.
As recovery operations continue, rescue teams are still searching for missing persons, including two schoolchildren reportedly swept away while travelling by bus. Officials have urged residents to report missing individuals to aid search efforts. The government has pledged to rebuild and address long-standing vulnerabilities in housing and infrastructure, especially in impoverished communities that remain most exposed to climate-related disasters. The state of disaster will remain in effect until lifted by authorities or when conditions significantly improve.