CAPE TOWN, June 12 – The death toll from the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa has risen to 78, with only 21 bodies identified so far, a senior government official confirmed on Thursday.
“I can confirm that the death toll from the floods has risen to 78, as more bodies continue to be recovered. This means we are facing a serious crisis,” South Africa’s Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa told the SABC News channel on Thursday evening.
The floods occurred after severe weather conditions hit multiple districts across the province on Monday, leaving hundreds of people displaced.
“As the water continues to subside, it’s likely that more bodies will be found. What is comforting is that we have sufficient personnel conducting search and rescue operations,” Hlabisa said.
XINHUA
