EC Floods: Ramaphosa Visits as Death Toll Climbs, Recovery Efforts Underway
Colaboradores
President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the Eastern Cape on Friday as the death toll from the devastating floods rose to 78. Torrential rains have caused widespread destruction in the OR Tambo and Amathole districts, washing away homes, schools, and crucial infrastructure.
Ramaphosa Assesses Damage, Offers Support
Ramaphosa toured several affected areas, including Dicoligny, Jumba High School, and Slovo Park, where search and rescue operations continue for those still missing. He was accompanied by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, who have been spearheading the coordination of relief efforts.
The Presidency stated that Ramaphosa is closely monitoring the relief operations and has expressed his deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. He emphasised the need for unified action across all levels of government, political parties, and civil society to address the crisis.
Government Prioritizes Restoration of Basic Services
The storms have severely damaged infrastructure, leaving many communities without access to essential services like water and power. Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa assured that the government is working tirelessly to restore these services and provide support to those who have been displaced.
National Disaster Declared
The severity of the situation has led COGTA to declare a national disaster, allowing for greater resources and coordination to be deployed to the affected areas. The government has vowed to do everything in its power to assist those impacted by the floods and is working to ensure that basic needs are met and infrastructure is rebuilt.
- Search and rescue operations ongoing
- Government working to restore water and power
- Support for displaced communities
- National disaster declared
The initial visit included a closed briefing in Mthatha, followed by on-site assessments of damaged schools and interactions with displaced communities. Ramaphosa has pledged national support for all affected districts, highlighting the government's commitment to helping the Eastern Cape recover from this devastating event.