CAPE TOWN, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the devastating floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province has risen to 57, with several people still missing, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The floods occurred after severe weather conditions hit multiple districts across the province on Monday, leaving hundreds of people displaced.
"As of today (June 12), 57 fatalities have been reported across the province, with the OR Tambo District Municipality accounting for 51 while six of the fatalities are in the Amathole District Municipality," Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane said in a statement issued by the provincial government.
"Approximately 1,000 people have been displaced in the Amathole District alone and are being sheltered in community facilities," he said.
Several areas in the OR Tambo District Municipality, such as Slovo Park and Decoligny Village in Mthatha, have been particularly hard hit by the recent severe weather conditions.
The premier noted that 38 people have been successfully rescued in Mthatha, while others are still unaccounted for. "At least 127 schools across 10 districts and about 20 health facilities have suffered damages," he added.
In addition, heavy snowfall in the Joe Gqabi District has resulted in major road closures, while districts such as Alfred Nzo have reported extensive damage to critical infrastructure, including roads, clinics, and public buildings.
"Assessment and mapping of affected schools are ongoing, while restoration efforts for power, water supply, and road infrastructure are currently underway with the support of engineering teams," Mabuyane said.
On Thursday, South African Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa visited flood-affected communities in and around Mthatha. The visit was to assess the impact of the recent floods and to evaluate the progress of ongoing disaster response efforts.
"As the government, we need to take a firm stance on people living on flood plains; they must be relocated. When another disaster strikes due to heavy rains, we risk facing the same problem all over again," Hlabisa said. "This needs to be a national approach. We must make the decision, as a government, to move people out of flood-prone areas."
During his visit, Hlabisa also assessed the support mechanisms in place to ensure that all necessary interventions were effectively implemented. ■
