South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited several flood-stricken areas this week as the nation grapples with one of its deadliest natural disasters in recent years. The death toll from the torrential rains and widespread flooding has risen to 78, and officials warn that the number is expected to climb further as rescue and recovery operations continue.
President Ramaphosa toured heavily impacted regions in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, where entire neighborhoods have been submerged, roads washed away, and families displaced. He offered condolences to grieving families and pledged swift government action to support those affected.
“We are heartbroken by the scale of this devastation,” Ramaphosa said during a press briefing. “The lives lost, homes destroyed, and communities upended are a stark reminder of the impact of climate-related disasters. We are mobilizing every resource available to bring relief and restore hope.”
Heavy rainfall over the past several days has triggered landslides, river overflows, and infrastructure collapse across multiple provinces, forcing emergency teams to conduct rescue missions under extremely difficult conditions. Dozens remain missing, while thousands have been evacuated to temporary shelters set up by local authorities and humanitarian organizations.
Disaster management officials have declared a state of emergency in the hardest-hit areas, with the South African National Defence Force deployed to assist in rescue operations and the delivery of emergency supplies. Relief agencies, including the South African Red Cross, are providing food, water, and medical care to displaced residents.
Meteorologists warn that more rain could be on the way, complicating efforts to reach isolated communities and assess the full extent of the damage. According to the South African Weather Service, the storm system responsible for the floods is expected to linger, posing ongoing risks to flood-prone regions.
This tragedy comes amid growing concern over the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events in Southern Africa, which experts link to climate change. President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for urgent investment in climate adaptation and infrastructure resilience to protect vulnerable communities from future disasters.
“Our infrastructure must be rebuilt not just for today, but for the future,” he said. “This is a call to action—for government, for business, and for the international community—to support climate resilience and disaster preparedness.”
As the death toll continues to rise, national and provincial governments have pledged financial aid and reconstruction support. The Department of Human Settlements is expected to begin assessments for rebuilding efforts, while the Department of Health has sent medical teams to flood zones to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases.
The flood crisis has prompted an outpouring of solidarity across the country, with volunteers and community groups joining emergency personnel in relief efforts. However, authorities stress that the situation remains dangerous and evolving.
Swifteradio.com
