The death toll from devastating floods in Mthatha has climbed to 86, with more bodies still being recovered from the mud-choked Mthatha Dam and surrounding areas. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed the grim figure during his visit to assess relief operations in the province.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Rescue teams, including divers, EMS personnel, and volunteers from organizations like Gift of the Givers, are working tirelessly to locate missing individuals. However, conditions remain treacherous, with thick mud reaching chest height in some areas, complicating recovery efforts.
Earlier today, two more bodies—a teenage boy and an adult male—were pulled from the Mthatha Dam, raising fears that the death toll may continue to rise. Authorities have urged families with missing loved ones to come forward to aid identification efforts.
Community in Mourning
Many residents have lost multiple family members, with some victims trapped inside their homes as floodwaters surged. One grieving man, still searching for his mother, told reporters, “I know she’s gone—I just want to bury her.”
Dr. Imtiaz Sulaiman, part of the recovery teams, emphasized the need for public assistance. “We rely on community tips to find bodies in this vast area,” he said, noting that at least 27 people remain missing.
A Long Road Ahead
With floodwaters receding, more bodies are expected to surface along the Mthatha River and surrounding villages. Rescue teams, including reinforcements from Limpopo, continue combing kilometers of affected land.
As the province mourns, officials have praised the collaboration between emergency services and NGOs. Yet, for many families, the focus remains on finding closure amid the wreckage.
“This is a tragedy beyond words,” said Minister Mchunu. “Our hearts are with those who have lost so much.”
