Search continues for EC teen washed away during torrential rains
The devastating floods have already claimed the lives of at least 103 people and displaced thousands in the hardest hit areas.
Eastern Cape residents in Mthatha left destitute following flooding in Mthatha on 11 June 2025. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Recovery teams in the Eastern Cape are still searching for the remains of a teenage boy who was washed away during torrential rains in the province in June.
The devastating floods have already claimed the lives of at least 103 people and displaced thousands in the hardest-hit areas.
At least 40 children are among the fatalities.
Search and rescue teams have narrowed down the area where they believe the body of the teen boy could be. They believe he could be stuck under rubble.
Gift of the Givers spokesperson Ali Sablay said the recovery of the remains could bring the search operation to a close.
"The police officers and search and rescue teams are working around the clock to bring closure to this one family. If the child is found, it will be 100% found and recovered in the operations done by the various teams."
He said efforts to resettle residents are underway.
"Humanitarian operations are still running at full capacity. Gift of the Givers are still on the ground since the 10th of June – we are still delivering daily hot meals in the areas of Butterworth and Mthatha as we know both towns had devastating effects when this disaster happened on the 10th of June."
The cost of damage to infrastructure is estimated to run in excess of R5 billion.
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