Woman’s Body Found in Mthatha as Eastern Cape Flood Death Toll Rises, Search Continues

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Woman’s Body Found in Mthatha

A woman’s body was discovered in Mthatha on Friday during the ongoing search for flood victims in the Eastern Cape, as the provincial government struggles to confirm the current death toll amid relentless rescue efforts. The last official update placed the death toll at 92, but with many still missing, authorities warn the number could climb. Meanwhile, Premier Oscar Mabuyane has appointed Finance MEC Mlungisi Mvoko as acting premier to ensure leadership continuity while he attends to family commitments. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has joined the search, using drones and wading through debris to find survivors and recover bodies. The floods, triggered by heavy rains, have left over 4,000 people displaced and caused widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure.

A Grim Discovery Amid Rising Waters

The body of an unidentified woman was found in Mthatha on Friday, adding to the mounting toll of the Eastern Cape’s devastating floods. The provincial government has not yet confirmed the current death toll, as rescue teams continue their search for missing individuals. The last official count, released earlier this week, stood at 92 fatalities. With the situation still unfolding, the discovery of the woman’s body highlights the scale of the tragedy gripping the province.
The heavy rains that triggered the floods have caused chaos across the Eastern Cape, damaging roads, bridges, and homes. Mthatha, a key town in the region, has been particularly hard-hit, with search teams combing through collapsed structures and flooded areas. The involvement of the SANDF has brought much-needed resources to the effort, including drones to spot victims in places too dangerous or difficult to reach on foot.

Widespread Devastation and a Rising Toll

The floods have left a trail of destruction, displacing more than 4,000 people and claiming over 90 lives. Entire communities have been uprooted, with homes washed away and essential infrastructure destroyed. The provincial government has described the situation as one of the worst natural disasters to hit the Eastern Cape in recent years.
Rescue operations have been underway since the floods began, with teams working around the clock. The SANDF’s deployment has bolstered these efforts, as soldiers wade through mud and debris alongside local volunteers. Drones have proven vital, offering an aerial view of the disaster zone and helping to locate those still unaccounted for. Despite the progress, the search remains a race against time, with families desperate for news of their loved ones.

Leadership Transition During Crisis

Amid the disaster, Premier Oscar Mabuyane has taken a leave of absence to attend to “family commitments.” In his place, Finance MEC Mlungisi Mvoko has been appointed acting premier, a move the provincial government says will ensure “continued leadership and stability” during this challenging time. Mvoko has promised to prioritise the needs of flood victims and coordinate relief efforts effectively.
The transition comes at a critical moment, as the province grapples with the fallout of the floods. Authorities have assured residents that the change in leadership will not disrupt the response, with Mvoko stepping in to oversee the ongoing search and recovery operations.

A Province in Need of Healing

The Eastern Cape’s floods have exposed the vulnerability of its communities, many of whom now face an uncertain future. Over 4,000 displaced residents are being housed in temporary shelters, while relief organisations work to provide food, water, and blankets. The government has pledged support, but the road to recovery will be long and costly.
As the search for missing people continues, the discovery of the woman’s body in Mthatha serves as a sombre reminder of the human cost of this disaster. With the death toll at 92 and likely to rise, the Eastern Cape remains in a state of mourning—and resilience—as it confronts one of its darkest chapters.

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