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Death Toll Rises to 90 in Eastern Cape Floods as Search and Rescue Efforts Continue

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Rescue efforts are intensifying in the Eastern Cape, where devastating floods have claimed 90 lives. The Gift of the Givers' search and rescue team, led by Ahmed Bham, is working closely with the South African Police Service and the Department of Health to locate missing people. The team has recovered two bodies in the same location, with a third body discovered by a rescue diver after a helicopter spotted something unusual in the water. More than 38 people have been rescued, and search and rescue teams are combing the area along the Mthatha River.

Key Takeaways:

  • The death toll from the recent floods in the Eastern Cape has risen to 90, with authorities working to locate several missing people.
  • The Gift of the Givers' search and rescue team is working with the South African Police Service and the Department of Health to conduct the rescue efforts.
  • The team has recovered two bodies in the same location, with a third body discovered by a rescue diver after a helicopter spotted something unusual in the water.
  • Search and rescue teams are combing the area along the Mthatha River, with over 38 people rescued so far.
  • Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed the revised death toll in a meeting with officers and rescue personnel.
  • Families are continuing to search morgues for loved ones who went missing during the catastrophic weather events.
  • President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the affected communities and expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.
  • The president also visited the collapsed Efata Bridge, where a taxi transporting school children was swept away, killing at least six learners and the driver and conductor.

Statistics:

  • 90 people have lost their lives in the recent floods in the Eastern Cape.
  • The search and rescue team is working to locate 70+ missing people.
  • More than 38 people have been rescued so far.
  • Six learners, the driver, and the conductor were killed when a taxi transporting school children was swept away by the floods.
  • The floods caused severe damage to parts of Mthatha and surrounding areas, with families continuing to search morgues for loved ones.

Sources:

  • Newzroom Afrika
  • SABC News
  • SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe
  • Gift of the Givers' Ahmed Bham
  • President Cyril Ramaphosa's statement
  • Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's statement

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