Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, is expected to embark on a three-day visit to storm-stricken Eastern Cape, as the death toll from last week’s deadly rains has climbed to 90.

The department said nearly 3,000 households have been affected, with over 1,000 homes or structures destroyed and more than 600 partially destroyed.

Provincial Department of Health confirmed that post-mortems have been completed on more than 80 bodies, with families having positively identified their loved ones. Premier Oscar Mabuyane further announced that Mthatha, the area hardest hit, has been declared a disaster area.

Simelane is set to meet with provincial and municipal leadership to decide on the next course of action to assist flood victims.

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa conducted an inspection on loco at the Efata Bridge in Mthata where a bus scholar transport was tragically swept away due to the flooding.

Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the loss of lives and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, affected communities and Eastern Cape residents at large.

IOL

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