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Eastern Cape Floods
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has reported that 102 bodies have been recovered across various districts since search and rescue operations began following the catastrophic floods that struck earlier in June 2025. This updated figure, as of June 30, 2025, reflects an increase of one from the previous update on June 26, underscoring the ongoing severity of the disaster.
Fatalities Across Districts
The distribution of fatalities highlights the widespread impact of the floods, with the O.R. Tambo district bearing the heaviest toll:
O.R. Tambo: 78 deaths
Amathole: 10 deaths
Alfred Nzo: 5 deaths
Joe Gqabi: 2 deaths
Sarah Baartman: 2 deaths
Chris Hani: 5 deaths
Of the 102 recovered bodies, 63 are adults and 39 are children, reflecting the tragic loss across all age groups. To date, 96 bodies have been identified and returned to their families for burial, while six remain unidentified. Due to decomposition caused by the passage of time, the provincial government has indicated that DNA testing may be necessary to confirm the identities of these remaining individuals, potentially delaying closure for some families.
Ongoing Search and Rescue Operations
Search and recovery teams are working relentlessly to locate any additional victims, with a particular focus on two children who remain missing. The effort is bolstered by aerial support from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) helicopters, which have been deployed to enhance the search across the affected regions. The provincial government has emphasized that these coordinated efforts aim to ensure no one is left unaccounted for, despite the challenges posed by the disaster’s scale.
Support for Displaced Families
The floods have displaced thousands, prompting the provincial government to establish community care centres and accommodation facilities in Mthatha (O.R. Tambo District) and Butterworth (Amathole District). These centres are providing:
Shelter: Temporary housing for displaced families.
Meals and Necessities: Essential supplies to meet daily needs.
In addition, multiple government departments are offering targeted assistance:
Department of Health: On-site medical services at shelters and affected areas, including replacement of lost chronic medications.
Department of Social Development: Psychosocial support, including counseling, for grieving families and schools impacted by the loss of learners, with backing from private sector partners.
Department of Home Affairs: Mobile units have processed 478 applications for replacement IDs and birth certificates, with three units deployed in each of the two hardest-hit districts, ensuring access to vital services without requiring travel.
To date, 56 victims have been buried across the province, with the government offering ongoing support to ensure dignified funerals. “We continue to extend our sympathies to the bereaved families and provide critical assistance during this difficult time,” a provincial government spokesperson stated.
National Disaster Declaration and Infrastructure Challenges
The Eastern Cape has been officially declared a national disaster zone under the Disaster Management Act, unlocking additional resources to address the widespread destruction. In O.R. Tambo, water supply has been partially restored, though areas like Mthatha West, Coffee Bay, Mdlankala, and Mhlanga still rely on water tankers provided by municipalities, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers. The Butterworth Water Treatment Works in Amathole remains offline, further complicating recovery efforts.
The floods have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities, with repair costs estimated at R5.1 billion. This declaration and the ongoing relief efforts signal a long road ahead for the province as it works to rebuild and support its affected communities.
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