The death toll from the devastating floods in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has increased to at least 95.

Mthatha floods death toll rises to 95

On Monday morning, authorities discovered the body of a 15-year-old boy in Mthatha, a town hit hard by the extreme weather.

Search and rescue operations have been ongoing since the province was struck by heavy rains more than two weeks ago. The recent discovery brings renewed urgency to the mission, as rescuers continue to search for more people who may still be missing.

“Just confirming that they found one more body now this morning. It’s a male patient, actually a child, about 15 years old,” said Ahmed Bham, head of search and rescue for the relief organisation Gift of the Givers.

The floods were triggered by an extreme weather system that brought heavy rain, strong winds, and even snow to parts of the Eastern Cape. These conditions led to flash flooding, particularly affecting poorer areas built close to rivers and floodplains. Many homes, roads, and schools were damaged or completely destroyed.

Thousands of people were displaced, and several schoolchildren were reported missing after being swept away in a school bus. Some victims have not yet been found, and local authorities continue to ask the public to report missing persons to help focus search efforts.

In response to the disaster, the South African government declared a national state of disaster. This special status allows the government to release emergency funds to support rescue and rebuilding efforts. The declaration applies to multiple provinces including KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, the Western Cape, and the Free State.

At a memorial service held last week in Mthatha, Eastern Cape executive council member Zolile Williams described the emotional and physical toll the floods have taken.

“Since 9 June , this province has been hit hard by unprecedented, catastrophic and unimaginable disasters,” said Williams.

“Since that day, the Eastern Cape has not been the same. It is the first time we have experienced so many dead bodies, some of whom have not yet been found.”

The service was held at King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET College, one of the few institutions in the area that remained structurally sound after the floods.

President Cyril Ramaphosa also visited Mthatha to assess the damage and meet with affected residents.

Many people who lost their homes lived in informal settlements — areas often lacking proper drainage and infrastructure — which made them especially vulnerable to flooding.

Authorities have promised continued support for flood victims and their families, while rescue teams press on with recovery missions. Emergency shelters have been set up, and repair efforts are underway in damaged communities.

The national state of disaster will stay in effect until the situation improves or until it is formally ended by the National Disaster Management Centre.