In an urgent response to severe flooding, rescuers in South Africa's Eastern Cape province have reignited their search for schoolchildren who disappeared when their bus was swept away.
Search Resumes for Missing Schoolchildren in Eastern Cape Floods
Search Resumes for Missing Schoolchildren in Eastern Cape Floods
Rescue efforts continue in South Africa as search teams look for schoolchildren missing after extreme flooding.
The heavy rains in South Africa's Eastern Cape province have subsided, providing a respite for search operations resuming after being halted overnight, according to officials. The bus carrying students to school was overwhelmed by floodwaters in Mthatha on Tuesday morning. While three students were successfully rescued amid the chaos, it remains unclear how many passengers were onboard. The bus has since been located on a riverbank, void of occupants.
Reports from Newzroom Afrika indicate that the bodies of ten children and the driver have tragically been discovered downstream. Public broadcaster SABC revealed that the three rescued students were discovered clinging to trees, offering a glimpse of hope amidst the dire circumstances.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, who visited the site on Wednesday, took stock of the rescue operations and expressed his satisfaction with the emergency response efforts in light of the ongoing disaster. He acknowledged the situation to be "difficult," yet highlighted the commendable actions taken by emergency services.
The flooding in South Africa has been part of an extreme weather pattern, compounded by heavy snow and gale-force winds, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals, with nine casualties attributed to flooding and five from related road accidents. Nearly half a million households lost access to electricity, with state power provider Eskom working tirelessly to restore power.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to families affected by these tragedies, urging citizens to "display caution, care, and cooperation" as the country continues to navigate the harsh effects of winter weather. The Eastern Cape, famously associated with anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, is among the hardest-hit regions, along with KwaZulu-Natal, leading to the closure of significant roadways to prevent additional casualties.
For continuing updates, follow BBC Africa on social media platforms.
Reports from Newzroom Afrika indicate that the bodies of ten children and the driver have tragically been discovered downstream. Public broadcaster SABC revealed that the three rescued students were discovered clinging to trees, offering a glimpse of hope amidst the dire circumstances.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, who visited the site on Wednesday, took stock of the rescue operations and expressed his satisfaction with the emergency response efforts in light of the ongoing disaster. He acknowledged the situation to be "difficult," yet highlighted the commendable actions taken by emergency services.
The flooding in South Africa has been part of an extreme weather pattern, compounded by heavy snow and gale-force winds, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals, with nine casualties attributed to flooding and five from related road accidents. Nearly half a million households lost access to electricity, with state power provider Eskom working tirelessly to restore power.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to families affected by these tragedies, urging citizens to "display caution, care, and cooperation" as the country continues to navigate the harsh effects of winter weather. The Eastern Cape, famously associated with anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, is among the hardest-hit regions, along with KwaZulu-Natal, leading to the closure of significant roadways to prevent additional casualties.
For continuing updates, follow BBC Africa on social media platforms.
