Body of missing 10-year-old girl found as Mthatha floods death toll rises to 88
The body of a 10-year-old girl who went missing in Libode was found on Sunday morning.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government will be hosting a provincial day of mourning on Thursday, in honour of those who lost their lives.
The body of a 10-year-old girl who went missing in Libode, Eastern Cape has been found, bringing the total number of confirmed fatalities to 88 as a result of the Mthatha floods.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government on Sunday morning said of the 88 bodies where post-mortems have been completed, 83 have been positively identified by families and five are yet to be identified.
'About 56 bodies have been released to families at the end of the day on Saturday. The provincial government remains in close contact with affected families to provide necessities and psychosocial support,' the Eastern Cape government said in a statement.
As rescue operations continue, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has called on residents to report persons who went missing around Tuesday, 10 June 2025, in the areas that were affected by the severe weather conditions, to law enforcement.
Mabuyane expressed deep concern for those still unaccounted for, saying the information from the public will assist in focusing efforts effectively and bringing closure to anxious families.
READ | Flood-hit Mthatha residents picking up the pieces and searching for loved ones
Last week, a bitterly cold winter storm tore through the largely rural and underdeveloped Eastern Cape, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The hardest hit was Mthatha, where relentless downpours caused a river to burst its banks, swallowing roads, submerging homes and claiming scores of lives.
To honour those who lost their lives, the province has announced it would hold a provincial day of mourning on Thursday, 19 June, in Decoligny Village, Mthatha.
'This solemn occasion is dedicated to honouring the memory of all the individuals who tragically lost their lives during these floods,' Mabuyane said.
The premier determined that all non-essential programmes and events that were scheduled for this day in the province be postponed.
'The provincial government recognises the profound pain and loss suffered by the affected families and communities, and it remains committed to standing with them in this difficult time,' Mabuyane added.
The event is open to the public, including faith-based organisations, religious leaders, and congregations across the province.
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