The Eastern Cape (EC) province of South Africa was recently hit by intense floods, caused by heavy rain and an unusual extreme cold front, that devastated homes and displaced communities.
The flood in early June struck while many were still asleep. Floodwaters reportedly rose more than three meters in many places while heavy rains and snow swept across the countryside.
Home to a largely rural population of 7.2 million, the EC province immediately found itself grappling with an extremely difficult task of providing timely rescue and aid to its beleaguered population due to terrain and a lack of equipment and personnel.
Mthatha, located in the OR Tambo District Municipality of the EC province, was hardest hit and authorities have warned that a rapidly increasing death toll will exceed the 100 reported at press time.
According to official numbers, more than 4,300 residents have been affected by floods that have uprooted more than 4,000 households and inflicted roof damage on another 1,963 families.
The raging waters have also disrupted classes for more than 48,000 students, causing widespread damages estimated at 220 million U.S. dollars.
CWM stands in solidarity with flood survivors
The Uniting Presbyterian Church in South Africa (UPCSA) sounded the call for aid soon after the disaster, expressing its shock and dismay at the “continued incidence of extreme weather and subsequent devastating flooding in Mthatha and surrounding areas in the Eastern Cape.”
“What brings the tragedy closer is that it involved some of our own members, and it is the location of our General Assembly, which met from 28 June to 3 July. Our congregations are already mobilised and offering assistance and care to those affected,” said Rev. Dr George Marchinkowski, General Secretary of the UPCSA.
Marchinkowski also announced a Mthatha Disaster Fund to provide monetary aid and in-kind donations to flood survivors.
In solidarity with UPCSA and to help with the church’s work to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities, the Council for World Mission (CWM) dispensed an emergency grant.
As aid efforts continue to progress in the disaster zones, CWM seeks the collective prayers of our partners and members for God’s timely intervention and mercy in this difficult season for the communities of Eastern Cape, Mthatha, and the UPCSA.
