Mthatha in Crisis: Floods Claim 100 Lives as Another Storm Approaches
by Mathipa Phishego
One hundred people have been killed in the recent floods in Mthatha and the neighbouring areas of the Eastern Cape, and many more are still missing, making this one of the deadliest natural catastrophes in recent memory. Destroying homes, schools, and highways, the June floods brought on by heavy rains and overflowing rivers have forced more than 3,500 residents to relocate.
Residents are seeking refuge in church buildings and community centres as entire neighbourhoods in Chris Hani Park, Norwood, and portions of Mqanduli have been inundated. Noluthando Mqoko, a resident of New Brighton Township, said, “I witnessed my neighbor’s house collapse in front of me, the water came so quickly that there was no time to save anything.”
Stakeholders and volunteers continue to search for missing bodies
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In response to the disaster, the South African National Disaster Fund (SANDF) has released R45 million in emergency relief funding, while private donations and civil society efforts have raised an estimated R12 million as of Monday morning. Gift of the Givers, Red Cross South Africa, and Doctors Without Borders are actively on the ground providing food parcels, blankets, and medical support.
“We have deployed additional teams to Mthatha and King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality,” said Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman of Gift of the Givers. The Solidarity Fund is also coordinating with the national Treasury and the Eastern Cape government to ensure proper allocation of funds to the most affected wards. “What’s needed now is sustained support not just handouts but long-term rebuilding,” concluded Dr. Soliman.
The Eastern Cape Department of Education confirmed that 58 schools have sustained damage, some beyond repair. With school transport disrupted and classrooms lost, thousands of learners are unable to return to school.
At least 20 public health clinics and one regional hospital in the OR Tambo District reported flooding, forcing the relocation of patients and staff. “We are doing everything possible to restore essential services, but the damage is massive.” said Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane.
South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasters have issued a Level 2 storm warning for late Sunday through next week, as communities start to pick up the debris. Another cold front is predicted to bring high winds, thunderstorms, and maybe flash floods, despite the moderate weather that is now occurring with sunny spells and cool mornings.
According to Thando Ndlovu, a SAWS meteorologist, “The ground is already saturated.” Even a little rain might have disastrous effects. If at all feasible, we ask residents in low-lying areas to temporarily relocate.
Local governments have come under fire for allegedly not adequately preparing their residents for the floods. Some locals allege that water discharged from upstream dams exacerbated the situation and that they were not alerted in time.
“I have enquiries,” Siyabonga Mapekula, a community leader, stated. “Did someone open the gates without telling us, or were these floods a natural occurrence? We require openness”, he stated.
President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged a thorough examination and improvements in climate-adaptive infrastructure for flood-prone areas during his weekend visit to the affected areas.
The following avenues are available for the public to assist in relief efforts: The Red Cross SA SMS “HELP” to 38510 to donate R10, and Gift of the Givers may be found at http://www.giftofthegivers.org. Flood Relief EFT Solidarity Fund. “Solidarity Disaster Relief” is the account name on FNB, with account number 62715379152 and branch code 250655.
All proceeds support food, hygiene kits, emergency shelter, and reconstruction activities in the impacted Eastern Cape communities. The path to recovery will be a long one for the residents of Mthatha.
However, the community is demonstrating incredible fortitude in the face of calamity, and they are urging South Africans to support them as they prepare for what may be yet another catastrophic storm. “Hope, houses, and loved ones have all been lost. However, we will rebuild with assistance,” Noluthando Mqoko stated.