President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday visited the Eastern Cape to assess the effects of recent floods in the region.
The President was joined by Minister of Cooperatives and Traditional Affairs Thembi Nkadimeng and Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane.
East Cape flood
Ramaphosa arrived at the Port St Johns Youth Center shortly before 5pm on Tuesday. Part of the trip will include a visit to a collapsed road in the area.
The Tanjung Timur floods cost lives and destroyed infrastructure.
Watch: the road is broken
Watch: Damage caused by floods on the road connecting Mthata and Port St Johns #flood pic.twitter.com/mNhRqneao3— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) March 28, 2023
Extent of damage
Roads in the Mthumbane area near the Second Beach of Port St Johns were badly damaged by heavy rains that caused floods and landslides.
A large part of the R61 Route collapsed 25 kilometers from Port St Johns as well.
Watch: Ramaphosa greeted with song
Watch: Port St Johns residents welcome President Ramaphosa #flood pic.twitter.com/nTZI0DrWUn— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) March 28, 2023
At the time, the nearest town and hospital were unreachable, and more than 3,000 people had to be evacuated as houses were destroyed and trees uprooted.
Flooding disrupts critical infrastructure, such as access to water and electricity. Four people have been confirmed dead and one resident is still missing.
disaster situation
The government began to declare a state of disaster in order to respond to the floods as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, the deputy minister of the Department of Human Settlements, Pamela Tshwete, is leading the Wheels Service program in Port St Johns.
The Department of Health also offers primary health care services, while Gift of the Givers and Sassa team up to distribute blankets, comfort packs, water and sleeping bags.
WATCH: Tanjung Timur Weather – Village hit by landslide and flood
Emergency help
Thousands of families are still displaced, and many are staying at the Youth Center in Port St Johns.
Earlier this week, the Presidency activated the Intergovernmental Special Committee on Disaster Management to provide support and relief to affected communities.
This includes support teams from national, local and provincial areas who will assess the damage and provide emergency support if necessary.