Deadly Eastern Cape floods declared a national disaster
Mongezi Koko 26 June 2025 | 10:53
Eastern Cape EMS team members recovered another body on 24 June 2025, following flooding in the province earlier in June. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Government has now officially declared the deadly floods in the Eastern Cape a national disaster, opening the door for greater support and funding from Treasury.
The announcement was made by Eastern Cape COGTA MEC Zolile Williams during a briefing in Mthatha on Thursday, confirming that what was previously classified as a disaster has now been formally gazetted under the Disaster Management Act.
The move follows a comprehensive damage assessment, with infrastructure losses estimated at around R5 billion, with more than 4,700 people homeless.
ALSO READ:
• Search and rescue teams in Mthatha anticipate difficult conditions as cold front moves in
• As govt works on emergency relief measures for EC, Godongwana warns against inflating of prices
• EC flooding rescuers alarmed by govt's delayed reporting on discovery of bodies
• Call for improved measures to deal with disasters
So far, the death toll is 101 and is expected rise as search and recovery operations continue.
The declaration paves the way for national government intervention, including additional funding, technical support and emergency resources for the hardest-hit communities.
MEC Williams said that it would help the province fast-track recovery but warned that the impact of the floods would be felt for months to come.
"The declaration made in terms of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 comes amid heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds and snowfall that have battered parts of the country, with the Eastern Cape being the hardest hit."
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Mongezi Koko 26 June 2025 | 10:53 Eastern Cape EMS team members recovered another body on 24 June 2025, following flooding in the province earlier in June. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN JOHANNESBURG - Government has now officially declared the deadly floods in the Eastern Cape a national disaster, opening the door for greater support and funding from Treasury. The announcement was made by Eastern Cape COGTA MEC Zolile Williams during a briefing in Mthatha on Thursday, confirming that what was previously classified as a disaster has now been formally gazetted under the Disaster Management Act. The move follows a comprehensive damage assessment, with infrastructure losses estimated at around R5 billion, with more than 4,700 people homeless. ALSO READ: • Search and rescue teams in Mthatha anticipate difficult conditions as cold front moves in • As govt works on emergency relief measures for EC, Godongwana warns against inflating of prices • EC flooding rescuers alarmed by govt's delayed reporting on discovery of bodies • Call for improved measures to deal with disasters So far, the death toll is 101 and is expected rise as search and recovery operations continue. The declaration paves the way for national government intervention, including additional funding, technical support and emergency resources for the hardest-hit communities. MEC Williams said that it would help the province fast-track recovery but warned that the impact of the floods would be felt for months to come. "The declaration made in terms of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 comes amid heavy rainfall, flooding, strong winds and snowfall that have battered parts of the country, with the Eastern Cape being the hardest hit."
