The devastating downpours left a trail of destruction across the region, submerging homes, washing away infrastructure, and displacing hundreds.

Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane are accompanying the President on his visit. The bodies of 21 victims have so far been positively identified, and efforts are still underway to locate those still missing.

Mabuyane outlined the President’s itinerary, which includes visits to a collapsed bridge and submerged houses, as well as meeting families who have been temporarily sheltered following the disaster.

“We are going to have the President going through where all this has been triggered, the bridge, and also come down and see all the houses that were submerged under water,” Mabuyane said. “But also to come here and meet with the families housed temporarily in the shelter where we are. It remains a very hectic space.”

Mabuyane confirmed that search and rescue operations remain active, as teams work tirelessly to locate the missing. At the same time, plans are being developed to resettle displaced residents and begin the process of rebuilding damaged infrastructure.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--