Overview

• The death toll in Eastern Cape floods rose to 86 by June 14 and is expected to climb as waters recede.
• A record storm dumped 129 mm of rain on Mthatha and 160 mm at Elliot station, overwhelming riverbanks and sweeping away riverside settlements.
• Emergency crews say initial rescue efforts were paralyzed by a lack of specialized units, prompting calls for more divers, K-9 teams and helicopters.
• More than 3,000 homes, 127 schools and 20 health facilities have been damaged, displacing thousands into makeshift shelters.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa attributed the floods to climate change and announced reviews of local infrastructure to protect vulnerable communities.