President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday visit flood-affected areas in the Eastern Cape, where he will monitor progress on government’s response and interact with affected communities on government’s support.

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

Over the past few days, relentless rains, strong winds, and landslides have tragically claimed lives and caused widespread devastation across communities, especially in the OR Tambo and Amathole district municipalities.

So far, up to 78 people have lost their lives, among them school children whose scholar transport was swept away in floodwaters.

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said search and recovery operations were continuing across all affected areas, particularly within the OR Tambo district municipality, where torrential rains over recent days have caused devastating landslides and flooding, leaving hundreds of families displaced as well as significant damage to critical infrastructure.

Mabuyane had since called for the immediate suspension of other programmes in the province, so that all Members of the Executive Council (provincial Cabinet) could work with communities.

Spokesperson to President Ramaphosa Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa was being kept informed by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa and Mabunyane on search and rescue efforts, and additional support needed to  comprehensively respond across all levels to the devastating disaster.

Ramaphosa will commence his oversight visit to the flood-affected sites accompanied by Hlabisa, Mabuyane and leaders of the disaster response.