NATIONAL NEWS - The Eastern Cape government says the number of fatalities from last week’s devastating floods has risen from 88 to 90.

In a statement yesterday, the provincial government said it remained committed to a ‘co-ordinated compassionate response that unites government, non-governmental organisations and local leadership’ as communities continue to grapple with the aftermath of the floods.

“In partnership with NGOs and faith-based organisations, the province has been and continues to provide emergency relief to affected households following the recent floods that left several fatalities, displaced households, caused significant infrastructure damage, and disrupted livelihoods across the province, with OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities bearing the brunt.

“The latest report has indicated an increase in the number of fatalities from 88 to 90, as previously reported yesterday,” said the provincial government.

Of the 90 fatalities, 60 are adults and 30 children, while 48 are male and 42 female.

Through the Department of Health, post-mortems have been completed, with 80 bodies positively identified and 77 released to families.

The provincial government said it remained in close contact with affected families to provide necessities and psychosocial support, with the Council of Churches also offering spiritual healing to grieving families.

The provision of emergency relief to thousands of displaced residents in the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities is still in progress.

“About 2 686 residents were left homeless and are currently accommodated in various shelters and provided with three meals a day and all the essential necessities.

“Progress has been made in restoration of basic services in the affected areas. In the Amathole District, water provision has resumed, with the full pumping system still being restored.

“However, water supply in some communities is still limited, and residents are urged to continue using water sparingly, as water will not return to all affected places at once, as the system may take time to fully recover.”

In OR Tambo, water has partially been restored in various areas, with some expected to have regain supply by the end of yesterday.

Water tankers from both municipalities, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the Gift of the Givers continue to supply affected communities.

Day of mourning

The provincial government said plans were under way to hold a Provincial Day of Mourning on Thursday in Decoligny Village in Mthatha.

Residents have been urged to report persons who went missing in the areas affected by the floods to law enforcement.

This as rescue operations continue.

“The provincial government continues to monitor the situation. Our rescue and recovery teams continue to comb the affected areas.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the area on Friday to offer support and assess the damage. He was accompanied by government officials, key kinisters, the premier, and local government representatives.

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