Another Body Discovered During Search for Eastern Cape Flood Victims

The devastating floods that recently struck South Africa’s Eastern Cape province continue to leave a trail of tragedy as another body was discovered during search operations, bringing the confirmed death toll to at least 95 people.

Search and rescue teams, alongside local authorities and disaster response units, recovered another body of a 15-year-old boy in Mthatha on Monday morning. The teenager becomes the latest known victim in the wake of the torrential rains that began more than two weeks ago.

According to Ahmed Bham, head of search and rescue for Gift of the Givers, the another body was found earlier in the day. Bham confirmed the discovery during a media update, stating:

“Just confirming that they found one more body now this morning. It’s a male patient – actually a child, approximately 15 years old.”

Death Toll Rises to 95 as Another Body Discovered During Search in Mthatha

The relentless efforts by emergency teams have been hampered by debris, unstable terrain, and high water levels in many flood-affected areas. Despite the challenges, the teams are determined to continue the search for more missing persons, with hope dwindling as the days go by.

The recent flooding in Eastern Cape has been described as one of the most severe natural disasters in the region’s recent history. In just over two weeks, the storms have claimed nearly 100 lives, displaced hundreds of families, and caused widespread damage to homes, roads, and public infrastructure.

The discovery of another body during the search highlights the scale of loss and the ongoing dangers facing both survivors and rescue personnel. Local officials and humanitarian organizations have emphasized the urgent need for continued search operations, relief efforts, and longer-term recovery planning.

The Mthatha region, where the latest another body was found, has been particularly hard-hit. Several communities in and around the area have reported missing persons, destroyed homes, and contaminated water sources. As families begin the painful task of identifying loved ones and salvaging belongings, local leaders have called for increased national support and resources.

Residents of affected towns have expressed grief and frustration, pointing to poor infrastructure and delayed emergency response as contributing factors to the disaster’s human cost.

Earlier reports from provincial authorities had placed the death toll at 94, but with this new discovery, the official number now stands at 95 confirmed fatalities. Police and emergency services say they are still combing through flooded areas, particularly along riverbanks, informal settlements, and submerged rural roads.

The Eastern Cape government has deployed additional personnel and support vehicles to bolster search teams. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has also been involved in airlifting supplies and conducting aerial surveys of flooded zones.

President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed condolences to the victims’ families and reiterated the government’s commitment to disaster response. “We must stand united in the face of this tragedy,” he said. “Every life lost is a deep wound to our nation. We owe it to the victims and their families to continue these search efforts with urgency and compassion.”

Several humanitarian organizations, including Gift of the Givers, Red Cross South Africa, and Doctors Without Borders, are working on the ground to provide medical care, shelter, and food to displaced residents.

Meteorologists have warned of continued adverse weather conditions in some parts of the Eastern Cape, which could hamper rescue efforts and pose additional risks to both survivors and rescue teams. Flood warnings remain in effect in several municipalities, with concerns over landslides and further infrastructure collapse.

Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and follow official guidance as search and recovery operations continue. Road closures, damaged bridges, and flooded farmlands are still affecting large portions of the province.

With another body discovered during the search, the nation is once again reminded of the devastating power of nature and the fragility of life. The Eastern Cape community, reeling from the loss, must now also find the strength to rebuild. While the immediate focus remains on finding the missing and supporting the grieving, the long-term task of rebuilding and improving disaster resilience lies ahead.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the search and rescue missions continue in Eastern Cape. For now, each recovered another body is not only a statistic, but a profound symbol of lives lost too soon and the urgent need for unified action.

Source- EWN