The death toll from the devastating floods that swept through South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has risen to 101, local authorities confirmed on Thursday. Among the victims are 38 children, including a 12-month-old infant.

Two children remain unaccounted for as search and recovery operations continue in the worst-hit areas. The floods were triggered by torrential rainfall on 9 and 10 June, brought on by a severe cold front, which inundated homes, washed away infrastructure, and left large swathes of the province without power.

Zolile Williams, an official from the provincial government, said that 94 of the victims have been identified and their bodies returned to their families. Over 4,000 people have been left homeless across the region.

“This disaster has hit one of our country’s most vulnerable provinces. The need for humanitarian and infrastructural support is urgent,” said Williams, estimating that approximately $288 million will be required to repair the extensive damage. He appealed for additional assistance from the national government.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited the affected communities earlier this month, linked the flooding to the growing impact of climate change. “This is yet another example of how climate-related disasters are affecting our people and our economy,” he said during his visit.

Meanwhile, a separate cold front has caused fresh flooding in parts of the Western Cape, including areas around Cape Town. Officials continue to monitor weather conditions closely amid fears of further damage.

South Africa remains highly susceptible to extreme weather, with the trauma of the 2022 Durban floods—where more than 400 people were killed—still lingering in the national consciousness.

Emergency services and humanitarian agencies remain on the ground, providing aid and shelter to displaced families as the country grapples with yet another climate disaster. (ILKHA)