The body of a 10-year-old girl who had been reported missing following the recent floods in Mthatha was recovered on Saturday, bringing the official death toll to 88, according to authorities.
Eastern Cape police confirmed that the young girl was swept away during flash floods that struck the area last week, causing widespread destruction, displacing families, and damaging infrastructure.
The South African Weather Service had issued multiple warnings as torrential rains battered parts of the Eastern Cape, triggering flash floods, landslides, and the collapse of several homes and bridges.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sorrow earlier this week, offering condolences to affected families and committing government support to recovery efforts. “The loss of life, especially of young children, is devastating,” he said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and communities who have suffered unimaginable loss.”
Emergency services and rescue teams have been working around the clock to search for the missing, assist survivors, and assess damage. Relief efforts are ongoing, with shelters, food supplies, and emergency aid being provided to displaced residents.
As recovery operations continue, authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, particularly in low-lying areas, and to report any further missing persons.
The provincial government has declared parts of the region disaster areas and is coordinating closely with national agencies to fast-track aid and infrastructure repairs.
