June 2025 Storm – In one of the deadliest natural disasters to strike South Africa in recent years, the June 2025 floods have left a staggering death toll of 103 people in the Eastern Cape. Torrential rains, landslides, and overflowing rivers ravaged homes, schools, and infrastructure, especially in areas like Gqeberha, Mthatha, and East London. Nearly a month later, hundreds of families remain homeless, schools remain shuttered, and damaged roads continue to isolate communities. Many are now asking: has the government’s disaster response failed the people of the Eastern Cape? While President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the scale of destruction and pledged national support, survivors say the promised relief hasn’t fully materialized. The Eastern Cape, already one of South Africa’s poorest provinces, is now buckling under the weight of the disaster’s aftermath. Temporary shelters are overcrowded, food parcels are inconsistent, and rebuilding is slow. Local municipalities claim they’ve received minimal support from national agencies, while residents feel abandoned. Despite the allocation of emergency funds and deployment of disaster teams, the logistics of delivering real, on-the-ground relief remain hampered by damaged infrastructure, lack of coordination, and slow procurement processes. With weather experts predicting more heavy rains ahead, fears are growing that this may not be a one-time tragedy — and that systemic changes are urgently needed.
Key Areas Worst Affected by the June 2025 Storm
The floods disproportionately impacted vulnerable and low-income communities across the Eastern Cape. Here’s a breakdown of the most critically affected zones:
- Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth): Dozens of homes destroyed in Walmer Township
- Mthatha: Mudslides collapsed school buildings and roads
- East London: Buffalo River overflow left neighborhoods under water
- OR Tambo District: Several villages cut off due to road collapses
- Nelson Mandela Bay: Water system failures left thousands without clean water
- Lusikisiki: Power outages and destroyed clinics reported
- Mount Ayliff: Bridge collapses disrupted access to hospitals
- Komani (Queenstown): Farmland and livestock swept away
Human Toll of the June 2025 Storm – Confirmed Impact Figures
Here’s a summary table of key statistics gathered by local authorities and emergency response teams:
Affected Category | Numbers Reported (as of July 2025) |
---|---|
Confirmed Deaths | 103 |
Missing Persons | 67 |
Injured Residents | 489 |
Houses Fully Destroyed | 2,450 |
Schools Damaged/Closed | 183 |
Roads & Bridges Damaged | 67 major, 134 minor |
People Displaced | Over 22,000 |
Water Systems Damaged | 42 localities |
Government’s Initial Disaster Response & Funding Commitments
Immediately after the floods, the national government declared the Eastern Cape a disaster zone. But was the response fast or efficient enough?
- President Ramaphosa visited affected areas and pledged R1.5 billion in emergency support.
- The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was deployed for rescue and recovery.
- The Department of Human Settlements promised 4,000 temporary housing units.
- Social Development initiated food parcel distributions through SASSA.
- Education officials began mobile classroom deployments in heavily impacted districts.
- Water tankers and boreholes were approved to support damaged supply systems.
Delays and Ground-Level Complaints from Residents
Despite announcements, many communities report little to no help from authorities.
- Delays in tent setup and food parcel deliveries in Mthatha and Komani
- Communities in Lusikisiki and Flagstaff say they’ve had no government visits
- Many flood victims in shelters complain of no access to clean drinking water
- Schoolchildren remain without classes, even in urban areas like East London
NGO & Volunteer Efforts Are Bridging the Gap
As government aid falters, private citizens and non-profit organizations are stepping in to help.
- Gift of the Givers has distributed 12,000+ meal packs and hygiene kits
- Local churches and community groups opened halls for shelter
- Private doctors and nurses are providing basic care in mobile clinics
- School teachers are volunteering in informal setups to continue education
- Farmers are donating food and supplies to isolated villages
Leading NGOs and Their Relief Work in Eastern Cape (June–July 2025)
NGO/Group Name | Relief Services Provided | Coverage Area |
---|---|---|
Gift of the Givers | Food, medical aid, hygiene kits | Gqeberha, Mthatha |
Red Cross SA | Blankets, emergency shelter | East London, Komani |
Masiphumelele Project | Child nutrition and education | Lusikisiki, Mount Ayliff |
SA Council of Churches | Temporary shelter & counseling | Queenstown, Port St. Johns |
Health on Wheels | Mobile clinics, medication | Flagstaff, Butterworth |
Local Farmers Union | Food parcels & transportation | OR Tambo District |
Sisonke Volunteers | Road clearance, home repairs | Mdantsane, Bizana |
Breakdown of Disaster Relief Funding Allocation
Despite the allocation of billions, questions linger on whether the funds are reaching those most in need. Here’s what’s been committed:
- R500 million for temporary housing projects
- R300 million for road and bridge reconstruction
- R150 million for educational infrastructure
- R200 million for water restoration
- R100 million for medical outreach and supplies
- R250 million for local municipalities for urgent aid
- R50 million for emergency food parcels via SASSA
Provincial Government Spending Summary – As of July 15, 2025
Category | Allocation (R Millions) | Funds Spent So Far |
---|---|---|
Housing | 500 | 190 |
Roads & Infrastructure | 300 | 120 |
Education Rebuild | 150 | 55 |
Water Supply Projects | 200 | 80 |
Health & Medical Outreach | 100 | 30 |
Emergency Food Parcels | 50 | 48 |
Municipal Grants | 250 | 90 |
Long-Term Rebuilding Challenges for Eastern Cape
With so many communities affected, the long-term path to recovery is steep and uncertain. Experts warn that the worst may not be over unless serious planning happens now.
- Seasonal rains expected to return in August 2025
- Climate change making Eastern Cape more vulnerable to intense flooding
- Insufficient stormwater infrastructure in rural areas
- Underfunded disaster risk management systems
- High poverty rates increase vulnerability and slow recovery
Departmental Contact Information for Public Help
Residents can reach out to the following departments for assistance, claims, or support:
- Department of Human Settlements Eastern Cape
Tel: 043 711 9612
Email: [email protected] - SASSA Eastern Cape Regional Office
Tel: 0800 60 10 11 (Toll-Free)
Email: [email protected] - Eastern Cape Department of Education
Tel: 040 608 4000
Email: [email protected] - Provincial Disaster Management Centre
Tel: 043 605 7335
Email: [email protected] - Department of Health – Flood Emergency Desk
Tel: 0800 032 364
Email: [email protected]
What Needs to Change Before the Next Storm?
There is a growing call for systemic improvements, both in policy and implementation, to avoid repeating this tragedy:
- Set up permanent flood early warning systems in all districts
- Upgrade rural drainage and stormwater infrastructure
- Train and equip local disaster teams for fast deployment
- Increase transparency and speed in fund distribution
- Include community leaders in local relief coordination
- Restore destroyed roads and reconnect isolated communities swiftly
FAQs of June 2025 Storm
How many people died in the Eastern Cape floods of June 2025?
103 people were confirmed dead due to the floods.
Has government aid reached all affected areas?
No, many areas like Lusikisiki and Flagstaff report delays and lack of support.
Which NGO is leading relief efforts on the ground?
Gift of the Givers has been the most active with food and medical relief.
How much funding has been allocated for rebuilding?
A total of R1.55 billion has been pledged, but less than half has been spent.
What should flood victims do for emergency housing help?
They should contact the Department of Human Settlements Eastern Cape at 043 711 9612 or email [email protected].