South Africa floods: House submerged, vehicles were washed away; Death toll increases to 78

The eastern cape province of South Africa is experiencing large -scale floods, the toll of death has reached 78 by Thursday. Search and rescue operations continue for the fourth day. Officials said they hope the toll would move forward.Flood videos and images have gone viral on social media, in which many houses are submerged and vehicles are swept away.South African President Cyril Ramposa is scheduled to visit the affected areas on Friday. His office confirmed that he would travel to the city in the eastern cape, the region was the most difficult when the floods started in the early hours of Tuesday.Ramposa visits amidst increasing public criticism to the government’s slow response to the disaster. In some areas, heavy rains, strong winds and even snow, excessive weather conditions began to flood. Meteorologists warned of serious conditions last week.The head of the provincial government said that the defense attempts were “paralyzed” during the first few hours after the flood due to lack of resources such as special discovery and rescue teams, divers and K -9 dog units.Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyne said that the province, home for 7.2 million people, is just an official rescue helicopter, which was to be brought from another city more than 500 kilometers away.Floods were flooded in the morning, several residents were caught by the guards. Many victims were washed with their homes and parts of the debris. Officials said they expect more bodies to be recovered as rescuers continue to search for flood waters. Many people are still missing and many children are among the dead.Zinathi Vuso, a resident of Mathaatha, said, “I need psychological help because I saw people dying in front of me. He was being dragged with water with corrugated iron.”He said, “Others tried to climb or climb something, but it will break, and they are dead. That is why you are still looking at the people, and others have not met yet,” he said.Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Walencosini Halabisa said late Thursday night at the National Extension SABC that the officials are urging the residents to get a better idea to help the rescuers to report missing persons, how many people they are looking for.“We are in a crisis. A real disaster,” said Hlabisa. “The more water is reduced, the more people will meet.”