President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday visited the Eastern Cape to assess the aftermath of the recent floods in the region.
The president was joined by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Thembi Nkadimeng and Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane.
Eastern Cape floods
Ramaphosa arrived in Port St Johns Youth Centre shortly before 5pm on Tuesday. Part of his trip will include a visit to the collapsed roads in the regions.
The Eastern Cape floods claimed lives and destroyed infrastructure.
Watch: Damaged roads
Watch: Damage caused by the floods on the road linking Mthata and Port St Johns #floods pic.twitter.com/mNhRqneao3— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) March 28, 2023
Extent of damage
Roads in the Mthumbane region near Port St Johns’ Second Beach sustained severe damage due to torrential rainfall which resulted in floods and a mudslide.
Large parts of the R61 Route collapsed 25 kilometres from Port St Johns as well.
Watch: Ramaphosa welcomed with song
Watch: Port St Johns locals welcoming President Ramaphosa #floods pic.twitter.com/nTZI0DrWUn— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) March 28, 2023
At the time, the nearest town and hospital could not be reached, and more than 3 000 people had to be evacuated as houses were washed away and trees uprooted.
The floods disrupted critical infrastructure, such as access to water and electricity. Four people have been confirmed dead and one resident is still missing.
State of disaster
Government has since declared a state of disaster for the response to the floods to be accelerated.
Meanwhile, deputy minsters of the Department of Human Settlements, Pamela Tshwete, is leading the Service on Wheels programme in Port St Johns.
The Department of Health also offered primary health care service, while Gift of the Givers and Sassa joined forces to distribute blankets, comfort packs, water and sleeping bags.
WATCH: Eastern Cape weather – Village hit by landslide and floods
Emergency assistance
Thousands of families are still displaced, with many living at the Youth Centre in Port St Johns.
Earlier this week, the Presidency activated a working Special Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management to provide support and relief to the affected communities.
The includes support teams from national, local and provincial spheres of goverment who will assess damage and provide emergency support where needed.
