South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province is in mourning following devastating floods that claimed 92 lives and left thousands displaced last week.
Entire communities were covered in thick mud after floodwaters inundated homes, roads, schools, and health facilities. According to government figures, more than 4,300 people have been rendered homeless.
President Cyril Ramaphosa described the event as an “unprecedented” and “catastrophic disaster,” attributing the destruction to the effects of climate change.
Of the 92 confirmed fatalities, 31 were children, the Eastern Cape government announced. As a mark of respect, residents across the province were asked to observe a minute of silence at 11:00 am (0900 GMT) on Thursday.
“All non-essential events in the province have been postponed,” the provincial government said in a statement.
The worst-affected area was the city of Mthatha, located approximately 800 kilometres (500 miles) south of Johannesburg. The Eastern Cape government confirmed that efforts are underway to restore electricity and water supplies and to begin repairing damaged infrastructure.
