South Africa declares national disaster as flooding death toll rises to 92
Associated Press1 day
South Africa Declares National Disaster After Floods Kill 92
Above: Flood-damaged homes in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, on June 11, 2025. Image copyright: South Africa's Eastern Cape provincial government/Handout via Xinhua
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The declaration of a State of Disaster is welcome, given the damage wrought on the Eastern Cape. The decision facilitates a comprehensive response to the crisis, which, when supported by the deployment of the National Defence Force, reflects the seriousness with which the government is addressing the disaster and its commitment to recovery efforts.
Government-critical narrative
The disaster that unfolded last week highlights serious flaws in South Africa's disaster management, specifically its limited capacity and reactive approach. The government, therefore, should adopt a proactive management strategy that reduces risk by prioritizing more effective early warning systems, strengthening community readiness, and enhancing relief capacity.