Death toll in S. African floods rises to 86

President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit

President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the poverty-stricken province on Friday and said the "catastrophic disaster" was due to climate change.

Update from police minister

Police minister Senzo Mchunu said on Saturday he had received news of "the overall figure in the province rising to 86".

Flood waters and damage

Ramaphosa estimated the flood waters had reached more than four metres (13 feet) high after heavy rains and strong winds battered the Eastern Cape. Thousands of houses, roads, schools, and health facilities were left caked in mud after being completely submerged in floodwaters.

Areas most affected

The area worst hit by the floods and subsequent landslides was the city of Mthatha, about 800 kilometres (500 miles) south of Johannesburg. The city is near the village of Qunu, birthplace of Nelson Mandela, the late anti-apartheid hero and former president.

Search and rescue operations

Rescuers went door to door searching for bodies or possible survivors, after people became stuck inside their homes when the water rushed in during the night. Some managed to escape to their roofs, where they waited long hours for help.

Tragic losses

Among the dead were at least six children and three adults who were on a school bus that was swept away in the flood. Three students were rescued after clinging to trees but four were still missing on Saturday.

Unprecedented weather conditions

Snow and heavy rainfall are common during winter in South Africa, but coastal parts of the country were affected by "unprecedented" weather conditions, Ramaphosa said on Thursday. According to the Green Climate Fund, the country is highly vulnerable to the impact of climate variability and change, which increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather.