Eastern Cape floods: death toll spikes to 10

The South Africa Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the number of flood victims in Eastern Cape has spiked to ten (10) following identification (in the afternoon) of another female body that went missing in the Rocklands area.

Sandra Janse Van Rensburg announced that the inquest dockets have been opened whilst a search by SAPS K9 and rescue units still progresses.

The Police spokesperson, Janse Van Rensburg has released names of the flood victims.

"In Kwanobuhle, the four deceased persons were Alutha Brown (4), Ndumiso Booysen (41), Tamsanqa Plaatjies (62) and Thandixolo Jonas (46). Abronita Adams (18) drowned in Kamesh while Clive Noah (72) from Kariega also died due to the excessive flooding. One person, Sicelo Lusipho (32), from Walmer location also lost his life," Janse Van Rensburg said.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for unity in the aftermath of natural disasters.

"The aftermath of these occurrences is best overcome when we work together in the way we are seeing in the Eastern Cape," Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa also commends the way in which authorities, communities, non-governmental organisations and individuals are dealing with rescue and recovery efforts, including the rehousing of a significant number of families who have been displaced.

Given the potential impacts of the winter season on various parts of the country, Ramaphosa urged the public to keep safe by heeding weather alerts and exercising greater care and restraint on the roads in poor weather conditions.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also called on citizens to reach out to vulnerable members of their families and communities, to make this season as comfortable and safe as possible for people who have limited resources or live on their own.