Severe flooding in South Africa's Eastern Cape has led to the deaths of at least 49 people, including schoolchildren, with ongoing efforts to find missing individuals. Communities are left devastated as rescue operations continue amidst harsh weather conditions.
South Africa Faces Devastation as Floods Claim Lives and Displace Communities
South Africa Faces Devastation as Floods Claim Lives and Displace Communities
Over 49 fatalities reported as Eastern Cape struggles with severe flooding, prompting rescue efforts and support from officials.
In South Africa's Eastern Cape province, relentless heavy rains have triggered catastrophic flooding, resulting in a tragic toll of at least 49 deaths, with several children among the casualties. Provincial Premier Oscar Mabuyane reported a dire situation, stating, "The numbers are just escalating hour after hour."
The calamity struck particularly hard when a bus, occupied by 13 passengers - primarily schoolchildren - was swept away by the floodwaters while attempting to cross a bridge in Mthatha. Rescuers have since located the bus on a riverbank, but four children remain missing as recovery efforts persist. Earlier on Tuesday, it was reported that eight bodies, including the bus driver and conductor, had been retrieved. Thankfully, three children were rescued alive, found clinging to nearby trees.
In a visit to the affected village of Decoligny outside Mthatha, Mr. Mabuyane commended the members of the community for their quick actions in aiding rescue efforts and for their vigilance in warning neighbors about the impending floods. The disaster has displaced numerous residents, some of whom are now seeking shelter in makeshift accommodations.
The flooding crisis in Eastern Cape has also significantly disrupted educational services, impacting 58 schools across three districts: OR Tambo, Amathole, and Alfred Nzo. In the neighboring province of KwaZulu-Natal, while 68 schools have suffered damage, no fatalities have been reported.
Since the onset of this severe weather event, characterized by intense rainfall, strong winds, and snow, nearly 500,000 households have also been left without electricity. State-owned power provider Eskom is working diligently to restore power amidst the adverse conditions.
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the families impacted by this tragedy and has called on citizens to heed warnings and cooperate as the nation braces for further challenges from the inclement winter weather. The Eastern Cape, famously known as the birthplace of anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, remains severely affected, alongside the KwaZulu-Natal province. The hazardous conditions have prompted the temporary closure of several major roads to prevent additional casualties.
