Severe weather across parts of the Eastern Cape has once again highlighted the vulnerability of rural communities to extreme storms and flooding.
What is happening?
Two people have been killed and several communities affected after severe weather struck parts of the OR Tambo District in the Eastern Cape.
According to the O.R. Tambo District Municipality, heavy rainfall, strong winds, flooding and lightning caused damage to homes, infrastructure and livelihoods between 6 and 7 February 2026.
The affected local municipalities include:
- Ingquza Hill
- King Sabata Dalindyebo
- Nyandeni
- Kumkani Mhlontlo
- Port St Johns
Why it matters to you
The storms have had a direct impact on household safety, income and access to services.
Some families have been left homeless, while others have lost livestock or crops they depend on for survival. In addition, damaged roads, bridges and electricity interruptions may delay access to schools, clinics and shops in rural areas.
Municipal officials say assessments are still under way, meaning the confirmed impact could increase.
Confirmed deaths linked to the storms
The district has verified two fatalities caused by the severe weather:
- Ward 12, Buhlanyanga – Ingquza Hill Local Municipality
- Ward 28, Matheko – King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality
The Executive Mayor expressed condolences to the affected families, saying:
“As Executive Mayor, I speak not only as a public representative, but as a member of this community. We are not untouched by this loss. These are our people. These are our families. We mourn with them.”
Damage reported across OR Tambo
Preliminary assessments across the district show:
- Homes damaged or destroyed
- Several households left homeless or partially displaced
- Roads, bridges and other infrastructure affected
- Electricity supply interruptions
- Crop damage
- Livestock killed by lightning, including reported losses in Port St Johns
The municipality has stressed that these figures remain preliminary and subject to verification.
Disaster response and relief support
Disaster management structures have been activated at both local and district level. Reports from satellite disaster centres are being consolidated through the District Disaster Management Centre.
The municipality has identified the following immediate relief needs:
| Relief support | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Temporary shelter | For displaced families |
| Food parcels | Emergency food assistance |
| Blankets and mattresses | Cold and overnight relief |
| Hygiene packs and sanitary towels | Basic health support |
| Basic cooking equipment | Household recovery needs |
| Essential household items | As assessments continue |
Reassuring residents, the Executive Mayor said:
“Let me assure the people of O.R. Tambo: your municipality is present. Your municipality is working. Your municipality will not turn away from any family in distress.”
What residents should do now
Residents in affected and high-risk areas are urged to:
- Avoid flooded rivers, roads and damaged bridges
- Stay clear of unstable or damaged structures
- Report emergencies and storm damage to local municipal offices
- Check on elderly, disabled and other vulnerable neighbours
A message of unity and recovery
The Executive Mayor called for calm, vigilance and solidarity as recovery begins:
“This moment tests us. It tests our systems, it tests our resilience, and it tests our unity. But O.R. Tambo has endured storms before. We rise not because challenges do not exist, but because we face them together.”
“We see you. We stand with you. We will walk this road of recovery with you. We will respond. We will support. And together, we will rebuild.”
Where to get official help and updates
- O.R. Tambo District Municipality official communications
- Local municipal offices and ward councillors
- District Disaster Management Centre (via local municipalities)
Further verified updates will be shared as assessments are finalised.
