South Africa’s government has officially declared a national disaster in response to catastrophic flooding in the Eastern Cape, where at least 101 people have died and over 4,700 have been left homeless following torrential rains earlier this month.
The floods struck on June 9–10, when a severe cold front swept across the region, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and even snow. Entire communities were submerged, roads and bridges washed away, and basic services disrupted. In one particularly tragic incident, a school bus was swept into floodwaters near Mthatha, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Provincial official Zolile Williams—Eastern Cape’s MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs—announced the declaration under the Disaster Management Act on Thursday, saying it was necessary to unlock emergency funding and support for reconstruction.
He reported that 6,869 households were affected, with 4,724 displaced and 2,145 homes partially damaged. Infrastructure damage alone is estimated at R5.1 billion (US $286 million), with major shortfalls in funding for roads, municipal services, and temporary housing. Efforts to restore electricity and water have reached over 80% of affected communities.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited the province earlier, attributed the disaster to climate change. He joined a memorial service held in Mthatha, where the provincial government observed a mourning day for the victims.
