June 21, 2025 – As the devastation caused by recent flooding continues to unfold in the Eastern Cape, a woman body has been discovered in Mthatha during search-and-rescue operations on Friday. This tragic find underscores the ongoing severity of the situation as emergency personnel and government officials grapple with the disaster’s aftermath.
The provincial government has stated that it cannot confirm the current death toll as the search for missing individuals continues across flood-affected regions. Although the last official update placed the number of confirmed deaths at 92, this figure is expected to rise as recovery teams expand their search across the province.
Thousands of people have been affected by the flooding, which was triggered by days of relentless rainfall that swept across parts of the Eastern Cape earlier this week. According to disaster management authorities, over 4,000 people have been displaced, while dozens of homes and key infrastructure have been destroyed or severely damaged.
The Discovery of the Woman Body Highlights Flood Tragedy
The discovery of the woman’s body in Mthatha on Friday paints a somber picture of the unfolding humanitarian crisis. Rescue workers, bolstered by teams from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), have been conducting extensive search operations using a combination of ground personnel, drones, and heavy equipment.
The SANDF’s involvement has brought additional manpower and resources to bear, including drone surveillance to assist in locating missing persons in areas that are inaccessible due to debris, fallen trees, and collapsed structures. With large portions of the province still waterlogged or blocked by rubble, the work is dangerous and emotionally taxing.
In the wake of the disaster of a woman, Premier Oscar Mabuyane has taken a leave of absence to address family commitments. During his absence, Finance MEC Mlungisi Mvoko has been appointed as acting premier to ensure that the provincial government maintains stability and continuity during this challenging period.
The announcement was made as residents expressed concerns about leadership and coordination of relief efforts. Mabuyane assured the public that despite his temporary absence, the provincial government remains fully operational and committed to the recovery and support of affected communities.
“The people of the Eastern Cape can rest assured that the government continues to function with urgency and compassion,” said Mabuyane in a statement released on Friday.
The flooding has wreaked havoc across multiple districts in the province. Roads have been washed away, bridges collapsed, and entire communities cut off from essential services. Emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate the thousands of displaced individuals, many of whom have lost everything.
Non-governmental organizations, religious groups, and volunteers have mobilized to provide assistance, distributing food, blankets, and medical supplies. However, with more heavy rainfall predicted in the coming days, authorities are urging residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant.
As recovery teams continue to uncover the devastating impact of the floods—including the woman body discovered in Mthatha—emotional trauma is mounting for families who remain unsure of the fate of their loved ones.
Counseling and psychological support are being arranged in several temporary shelters to help survivors cope with the trauma of loss and displacement. “This isn’t just a disaster of property; it’s a disaster of human lives,” said a Red Cross spokesperson in the area.
Local residents have also joined in the search, working alongside official rescue teams. The sense of unity and shared grief has become a defining feature of the community response.
While the weather begins to stabilize in parts of the Eastern Cape, the road to recovery will be long and complex. The identification and recovery of victims, like the woman’s body found in Mthatha, are grim reminders of the flood’s tragic human cost.
Government departments are now shifting focus to long-term recovery plans, which include rebuilding infrastructure, providing housing for the displaced, and enhancing future disaster preparedness.
As the situation continues to evolve, authorities are urging the public to cooperate with emergency services and avoid returning to unstable structures or flooded areas until it is deemed safe.
The discovery of the woman’s body is a painful but critical step in bringing closure to families affected by this natural disaster. As rescue operations persist and communities rebuild, the resilience and solidarity of the Eastern Cape people remain unwavering.
The provincial government has pledged full support in restoring dignity and safety to those impacted, ensuring that every life lost—like that of the woman found on Friday—is acknowledged and remembered in the province’s path to recovery.
Source- EWN