The Amathole District in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has been declared a disaster zone after intense thunderstorms wreaked havoc across the region from December to January, leaving extensive damage in their wake.
The storms, which affected over 59 villages, caused significant destruction to homes, roads, and critical infrastructure. A multi-disciplinary team, including officials from Human Settlements, the National, Provincial, and District Disaster Management Centres, assessed the damage, which has been estimated at R57,263,582.11 (roughly $3.12 million).
Sisa Msiwa, spokesperson for the District Municipality, confirmed that government relief agencies, alongside the Red Cross, are actively working to provide aid to the affected communities. In the municipality of Ngqushwa alone, 148 families have been displaced, with 83 homes completely destroyed. Other local municipalities, including Amahlathi, Mbhashe, and Mnquma, also experienced disruptions to essential services, further exacerbating the crisis.
This disaster follows a deadly flood in October 2024, which killed 10 people, including four children, after heavy rains submerged entire neighborhoods in the region. As the community begins its recovery, local authorities are focusing on rebuilding infrastructure and providing long-term support to those affected by both the recent storms and past natural disasters.