President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to travel to South Africa’s Eastern Cape province following devastating floods that have claimed 78 lives. The visit comes as authorities step up rescue efforts and assess the widespread damage to communities and infrastructure.
Since heavy rains began last week, entire neighbourhoods have been submerged, roads washed away, and homes engulfed by floodwaters. The President’s visit aims to bring national attention to the disaster and coordinate with provincial and local leaders on relief and recovery measures.
During his visit, President Ramaphosa is expected to:
Meet with affected families, offering comfort and promising government support.
Assess critical infrastructure damage**, including roads, bridges, schools, and health centres.
Mobilize emergency response teams, ensuring that rescue and medical services are prioritised.
Oversee allocation of relief funds, in collaboration with provincial authorities, to fast-track clean-up and rebuilding efforts.
The Eastern Cape Premier has called for swift national aid, warning that many communities remain cut off, facing shortages of food, clean water, and electricity. Rescue teams—including SANDF units—are deploying boats, helicopters, and field ambulances to reach stranded families.
Civil society organisations and NGOs are coordinating closely with government agencies to distribute blankets, emergency shelter kits, and food parcels. The flood disaster has also brought renewed attention to climate resilience, with experts urging long-term investment in early-warning systems, river embankment reinforcement, and better urban planning.
President Ramaphosa’s visit is expected to include a televised address to the nation, culminating in the announcement of immediate relief measures and a comprehensive plan for flood recovery and future preparedness.
