CAPE TOWN, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Severe flooding in multiple locations across the Eastern Cape province of South Africa has killed seven people, while one person remains missing, local authorities confirmed on Monday.
Rescue operations were activated on Saturday as heavy rains continued to fall in parts of Kariega and Gqeberha under the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality as well as East London under the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the province.
The heavy downpour has flooded houses, washed away vehicles, damaged road infrastructure and bridges, and caused power outages in certain areas.
Pheello Oliphant, a spokesperson of the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, confirmed to Xinhua on Monday afternoon that the death toll stands at seven, while one person is still missing.
He said that 2,038 people have been safely evacuated in multiple rescue operations.
In a statement issued on Monday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sent his condolences to families of the victims of the Eastern Cape floods.
"The loss of life, destruction of public infrastructure and the loss of personal property brought about by the forces of nature saddens all of us as South Africans," said Ramaphosa.
He called on citizens to extend a helping hand to those who are disadvantaged "to make this season as comfortable and safe as possible for people who have limited resources or live on their own." ■
