President Ramaphosa Visits Flood Sites as Death Toll Rises to 78

President Cyril Ramaphosa visited flood-stricken areas in southeastern South Africa, where at least 78 people have died. The disaster, caused by severe flooding earlier this week, has drawn criticism regarding the government’s response and readiness. Rescue operations continue as many remain missing, with authorities warning that the death toll may rise further as search efforts proceed.

In the aftermath of severe flooding that has claimed at least 78 lives in southeastern South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa made an urgent visit to the affected areas on Friday. This marked the fourth day of search and rescue operations, which officials fear may see the death toll climb further. The floods struck early Tuesday, hitting towns like Mthatha in the Eastern Cape province particularly hard.

During his visit, the president engaged with officials from the National Disaster Management Center. Ramaphosa also inspected a bridge where a school bus was tragically swept away, resulting in the deaths of six students, the bus driver, and another adult, while four other schoolchildren remain unaccounted for. As rescue teams searched frantically for survivors, questions arose regarding the preparedness and response of local authorities, which had been warned of bad weather the previous week.

Critics pointed out that the province, home to 7.2 million residents, struggled due to a lack of vital resources. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane noted that only one rescue helicopter was available within the province, which had to be transported from 500 kilometers away. Despite these challenges, Ramaphosa insisted that the situation could have been worse, given the extent of the disaster.

The floods occurred suddenly, catching many individuals off guard as water quickly inundated homes and properties. With the rains now subsiding, officials are shifting focus to the recovery of bodies still trapped within the wreckage. Zinathi Vuso, a resident, shared a harrowing account of the disaster, recounting how victims were swept away along with debris, adding to the emotional toll on local communities.

Authorities released information indicating that bodies of victims were discovered up to two kilometers away from their presumed locations during the floods. At the same time, the government is urging residents to report any missing individuals, with Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa emphasizing the urgent need for accurate numbers as search efforts continue.

“We are in a crisis. A real disaster,” said Hlabisa on national radio. He predicted that as waters recede, more bodies will surface, increasing the focus on the ongoing rescue efforts.

The Eastern Cape has a history of susceptibility to severe weather, particularly from the Indian and Southern Oceans. The latest flooding follows a tragic event in 2022 that resulted in more than 400 deaths around the city of Durban. Unfortunately, many of the current victims lived in low-lying areas prone to floods, highlighting ongoing issues with housing and infrastructure in impoverished regions.

The visit by President Ramaphosa underscores the grim reality faced by South African communities affected by devastating floods, with an ever-increasing death toll and serious questions about the emergency response. As search and recovery efforts continue, many families still await news of their missing loved ones. This disaster shines a light on the vulnerabilities within poorer communities and the dire need for improved disaster preparedness and resources in the region.

Original Source: www.wral.com