South Africa: Death toll rises as floods ravage Eastern Cape
No fewer than 10 people have lost their lives in the devastating floods that hit the Nelson Mandela Bay metro in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, according to official police reports.
Colonel Priscilla Naidu, the Eastern Cape police spokesperson, reported that severe storms and heavy rains caused significant damage in various areas of the metro, including Kariega, Walmer, Blue Horizon Bay, and Kamesh, resulting in the tragic loss of life.
The police spokesperson noted that the body of the tenth victim, a female who was reported missing in Kariega, was recovered lifeless on Sunday afternoon.
She added that “the victim went missing together with a friend when their car was washed away on June 1 in Kariega. The vehicle was also found submerged in water.”
Naidu went on to say searches for people who have not yet been accounted for, are continuing by the SA Police K9 Search and Rescue and Diving Units.
President Cyril Ramaphosa visited victims of flooding in the province on Friday, where he assured the community of support and humanitarian aid to cushion the effects of the floods.
Mr. Ramaphosa further pledged to facilitate the recovery process that meets citizens’ requirements and allows for the revamping of impacted areas.
