A minibus carrying schoolchildren in South Africa has been swept away in floods, with rescue efforts paused for the night. The heavy snowfall and torrential rain have resulted in multiple fatalities and widespread power outages, as authorities alert residents to potential dangers.
Flooding and Snowstorm Leave South African Schoolchildren in Peril
Flooding and Snowstorm Leave South African Schoolchildren in Peril
Rescue operations are hampered as severe weather claims lives and disrupts communities in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
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A minibus filled with schoolchildren has been swept away by fierce flooding in South Africa's Eastern Cape, according to a spokesperson from the provincial government who spoke to the media. The spokesperson, Khuselwa Rantjie, confirmed that the exact number of children aboard the vehicle remains unclear, but three have been located alive. Rescue operations were halted as night set in and are expected to resume on Wednesday, she said.
In an unrelated incident, search teams have recovered the bodies of seven individuals who were swept away by the churning floodwaters in the OR Tambo district. South Africa is currently grappling with intense snowstorms, torrential rains, and strong winds that have tragically claimed the lives of an additional five people in a road accident. Nearly 500,000 households are facing power outages due to the severe weather.
The Eastern Cape, the region where anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela was born, has experienced the most significant impacts from the icy weather, alongside KwaZulu-Natal province. Due to safety concerns, several major roads have been closed to prevent further casualties.
“This is a devastating reminder of nature's force,” stated Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant. The recent road accident which resulted in five fatalities involved a minibus taxi that overturned near East London after the driver lost control while trying to dodge a fallen tree, reported Eastern Cape transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose.
State-owned electricity utility Eskom has announced that approximately 300,000 homes have lost power in 14 towns across Eastern Cape, while an additional 196,000 homes in 24 areas in KwaZulu-Natal are also without electricity, according to spokesperson Daphne Mokwena.
Transport Minister for KwaZulu-Natal, Siboniso Duma, noted that heavy snowfall has stalled lorries on major roads, leading to significant traffic jams. Heavy machinery has been deployed to clear the worst-affected paths where snow accumulation exceeded 30 centimeters (12 inches). Meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela has further alerted of strong winds and hazardous sea waves, complicating maritime navigation.
In South Africa, winter months from June to August typically witness snowfall, with temperatures dipping below freezing. However, persistent flooding and intense rainfalls are increasingly linked to climate change phenomena in the area. Flash floods that occurred between April 30 and May 2 already caused substantial damage to around 4,500 homes and left 18 injured. As the community grapples with these challenges, many are looking for stabilization and support in these trying times.
For more updates on the unfolding situation in South Africa, stay tuned to our news coverage.
A minibus filled with schoolchildren has been swept away by fierce flooding in South Africa's Eastern Cape, according to a spokesperson from the provincial government who spoke to the media. The spokesperson, Khuselwa Rantjie, confirmed that the exact number of children aboard the vehicle remains unclear, but three have been located alive. Rescue operations were halted as night set in and are expected to resume on Wednesday, she said.
In an unrelated incident, search teams have recovered the bodies of seven individuals who were swept away by the churning floodwaters in the OR Tambo district. South Africa is currently grappling with intense snowstorms, torrential rains, and strong winds that have tragically claimed the lives of an additional five people in a road accident. Nearly 500,000 households are facing power outages due to the severe weather.
The Eastern Cape, the region where anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela was born, has experienced the most significant impacts from the icy weather, alongside KwaZulu-Natal province. Due to safety concerns, several major roads have been closed to prevent further casualties.
“This is a devastating reminder of nature's force,” stated Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, urging residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant. The recent road accident which resulted in five fatalities involved a minibus taxi that overturned near East London after the driver lost control while trying to dodge a fallen tree, reported Eastern Cape transport department spokesperson Unathi Binqose.
State-owned electricity utility Eskom has announced that approximately 300,000 homes have lost power in 14 towns across Eastern Cape, while an additional 196,000 homes in 24 areas in KwaZulu-Natal are also without electricity, according to spokesperson Daphne Mokwena.
Transport Minister for KwaZulu-Natal, Siboniso Duma, noted that heavy snowfall has stalled lorries on major roads, leading to significant traffic jams. Heavy machinery has been deployed to clear the worst-affected paths where snow accumulation exceeded 30 centimeters (12 inches). Meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela has further alerted of strong winds and hazardous sea waves, complicating maritime navigation.
In South Africa, winter months from June to August typically witness snowfall, with temperatures dipping below freezing. However, persistent flooding and intense rainfalls are increasingly linked to climate change phenomena in the area. Flash floods that occurred between April 30 and May 2 already caused substantial damage to around 4,500 homes and left 18 injured. As the community grapples with these challenges, many are looking for stabilization and support in these trying times.
For more updates on the unfolding situation in South Africa, stay tuned to our news coverage.
