Bhisho – At least seven people have lost their lives due to recent flooding emanating from inclement weather conditions in the Eastern Cape.
In a statement on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, made available to The Bulrushes, the Eastern Cape Provincial Government said it “deeply regrets to announce that seven people have tragically lost their lives due to recent flooding emanating from inclement weather conditions in the province”.
The statement added: “These losses occurred amid intense cold and flooding conditions that have severely affected several communities in the province, however, the fatalities have for now been reported from various areas at the OR Tambo District Municipality.
“Provincial Government regrets the tragic loss of life during this period and wishes to send condolences to the families of the bereaved.”
The severe weather conditions have also caused significant damages to road infrastructure, displacement of residents, and unfortunately loss of lives.
Police report have confirmed that six bodies were found along Decoligny village in Mthatha, while the seventh body was recovered at Tsolo near Bedlana River.
A 22-seater scholar transport bus which was en route to Jumba Senior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape was swept away by rising water levels at the Efata Bridge.
Three children have since been rescued, but emergency services continue to search for others.
As disaster management teams work tirelessly to assist affected households and secure the safety of residents, Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has deployed Members of the Executive Council to support the O.R. Tambo District Municipality in its efforts to rescue citizens including ensuring the provision of necessary resources.
As the weather persists, the province’s priority is the safety and well-being of residents, while working to mitigate damage to infrastructure and restore essential services.
Premier Mabuyane emphasised the urgent need for caution, urging community members to avoid flooded areas, remain alert on slippery roads, and promptly report any hazards to authorities.
“This is a devastating reminder of nature’s force,” said Premier Mabuyane.
“We urge everyone to exercise extra caution in areas prone to flooding.
“Our disaster response teams are on high alert and committed to ensuring the community’s safety.”
The province’s disaster management units, emergency services, and local municipalities are collaborating to stabilise affected areas, provide immediate support, and restore essential services.
Communities have been urged to follow official updates from the Provincial Government and the South African Weather Services, and to prioritise safety above all else during these dangerous weather conditions.
A central coordination effort is being managed through the Joint Operations Centre, overseeing the entire flood response.
Furthermore, provincial departments and municipal officials are continuously meeting to consolidate additional relief efforts for the affected communities.
Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma announced snow has been removed along the N2 (R56) between Port Shepstone and Kokstad to the Eastern Cape:
“We wish to salute our Grade Operators who worked together with our highly efficient team from Road Traffic Inspectorate to ensure the free traffic flow,” said MEC Duma.
“This morning we set ourselves a target to remove the snow that blanketed N2 (R56) along the route from Port Shepstone, Kokstad and Eastern Cape.
“Importantly, I gave the team from the Pietermaritzburg Region a mandate to remove the snow before it could accumulate to above 30 cm. They have done exactly that and in record time.
“This is a historic achievement that inspires us to do more for the people of KwaZulu-Natal.”
The SA Weather Services has issued a Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow over Joe Gqabi district, Molteno and Matatiele.
Disruptive rain has also been issued for the Buffalo City Metro, as well as OR Tambo and Amathole districts.
“We have used an experience we acquired during last year’s snowfall that was triggered by the cut-off low-pressure system,” explained MEC Duma.
“Lastly, it is unfortunate that there are motorists, trucks, and luxury buses that have been stuck along the N2 since 2am.
“We continue to plead with members of the public to heed a warning from the SA Weather Service.
“If you are asked to delay your trips, please do so in order to save your life. Prevention is better than cure.”
