MTHATHA, Eastern Cape - The search continues for missing children swept away by devastating floods near Mthatha. The incident occurred when their minibus taxi was washed off a bridge during torrential rains. Three children were miraculously found alive, clinging to a tree amidst the chaos.
Tragically, the death toll in the Eastern Cape due to the severe weather has now risen to 49. Premier Oscar Mabuyane confirmed the grim figure at a press conference, highlighting the escalating impact of the disaster.
School Bus Tragedy
Adding to the devastation, a school bus was swept away by floodwaters near Mthatha. Initial reports indicated that six bodies from the bus have been recovered, with four individuals still unaccounted for. The bus was carrying 13 schoolchildren and two adults. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate the missing.
Disruptions and Displacement
The recent severe weather, characterized by heavy rains, strong winds, and even snowfall, has caused widespread disruptions across the Eastern Cape. Infrastructure has been significantly damaged, leading to power outages and impassable roads. Hundreds of people have been displaced from their homes, seeking shelter and assistance.
Eastern Cape government spokesperson Khuselwa Rantjie stated that rescue operations are ongoing, with divers and rescue teams diligently searching for the missing children. Efforts are also underway to provide support to displaced families. Premier Mabuyane and his executive council are scheduled to assess the extent of the damage throughout the province.
- Rescue operations continue for missing children near Mthatha.
- The death toll from the Eastern Cape floods has reached 49.
- A school bus was swept away, resulting in multiple fatalities and missing individuals.
- Hundreds have been displaced due to infrastructure damage and flooding.
This severe weather event underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of flooding in South Africa, linked to the broader impacts of climate change. The April 2022 storm in KwaZulu-Natal, which claimed approximately 400 lives, serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events.