The death toll from the devastating floods that struck South Africa’s Eastern Cape two weeks ago has risen to 105, local authorities confirmed Friday. The region, already one of the country’s poorest, continues to grapple with the aftermath of torrential rains that displaced thousands and destroyed critical infrastructure.

Acting Police Commissioner Thandiswa Kupiso reported that among the most recent victims were passengers aboard a school transport vehicle swept away by floodwaters in Decoligny, one of the hardest-hit communities.

Zolile Williams, Eastern Cape’s Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, confirmed that the youngest victim was a 12-month-old baby found in the Mthatha area. In total, 38 children are among the deceased.

The floods, triggered by a powerful cold front on June 9–10, caused widespread destruction: roads collapsed, schools and clinics were damaged, and electricity and water supplies were disrupted. Over 4,700 people have been left homeless.

Of the 105 confirmed fatalities, 94 bodies have been identified and returned to their families. Authorities warn that DNA testing may be required to identify the remaining victims due to advanced decomposition.

The estimated cost of rebuilding damaged infrastructure stands at $288 million USD, according to provincial officials. The figure includes repairs to roads, bridges, public buildings, and utilities.

During a memorial ceremony, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane expressed gratitude for national and international support, calling the tragedy “one of the darkest chapters” in the province’s history.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited Mthatha earlier this week, attributed the disaster to climate change, citing increasingly frequent and severe weather events across the region.

On Thursday, Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa announced that the government had officially declared the floods a national disaster, unlocking emergency funds and accelerating relief efforts.

The South African Weather Service has since issued warnings of snowfall and strong winds in high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape, raising concerns about further disruptions to recovery operations.

Humanitarian agencies, including OCHA and Médecins Sans Frontières, are providing medical aid, food, and psychosocial support to displaced families. Mobile units have also been deployed to help residents replace lost identity documents.

As the province begins the long road to recovery, officials stress the urgent need for climate resilience, improved infrastructure, and disaster preparedness to protect vulnerable communities from future catastrophes.

IN THIS ARTICLE