Rescue operations are ongoing as communities grapple with the aftermath of the disastrous weather conditions.
**Devastating Floods Claim Lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape**
**Devastating Floods Claim Lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape**
At least 49 people, including children, have died as severe flooding wreaks havoc in South Africa.
---
Heavy rainfall and snow in South Africa's Eastern Cape province have led to catastrophic flooding, resulting in the deaths of at least 49 individuals, including several schoolchildren. Provincial premier Oscar Mabuyane reported a rising death toll, emphasizing the dire state of the situation on the ground. Among the deceased are four children, a bus driver, and a conductor, all casualties of a bus swept away while crossing a bridge in Mthatha earlier this week.
Efforts to locate four more missing children from the bus continue, with the vehicle now found abandoned on a riverbank. Reports indicate that three children were rescued after being found clinging to trees. Initially, 13 individuals were aboard the bus, with 11 being schoolchildren.
On Wednesday morning, Mabuyane visited the affected areas to assess rescue operations and support displaced communities in Decoligny. Many local residents have been left homeless, seeking refuge in makeshift shelters. The premier acknowledged the community's efforts in assisting with rescue operations and ensuring the safety of their neighbors during the onset of the floods.
The devastating floods have also impacted educational institutions, with 58 schools across three districts—OR Tambo, Amathole, and Alfred Nzo—reporting damages. In the neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province, 68 schools across nine districts have also been affected, although no fatalities have been reported there.
The severe weather has resulted in widespread disruptions, leaving nearly 500,000 homes without electricity since Tuesday. State-owned power provider Eskom is working to restore power to these areas. In light of the disaster, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to the victims' families and urged citizens to act with caution as the adverse effects of winter weather are anticipated to persist.
The Eastern Cape region, famously known as the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, is currently facing the brunt of these harsh conditions, severely affecting road access in efforts to prevent further casualties.
Heavy rainfall and snow in South Africa's Eastern Cape province have led to catastrophic flooding, resulting in the deaths of at least 49 individuals, including several schoolchildren. Provincial premier Oscar Mabuyane reported a rising death toll, emphasizing the dire state of the situation on the ground. Among the deceased are four children, a bus driver, and a conductor, all casualties of a bus swept away while crossing a bridge in Mthatha earlier this week.
Efforts to locate four more missing children from the bus continue, with the vehicle now found abandoned on a riverbank. Reports indicate that three children were rescued after being found clinging to trees. Initially, 13 individuals were aboard the bus, with 11 being schoolchildren.
On Wednesday morning, Mabuyane visited the affected areas to assess rescue operations and support displaced communities in Decoligny. Many local residents have been left homeless, seeking refuge in makeshift shelters. The premier acknowledged the community's efforts in assisting with rescue operations and ensuring the safety of their neighbors during the onset of the floods.
The devastating floods have also impacted educational institutions, with 58 schools across three districts—OR Tambo, Amathole, and Alfred Nzo—reporting damages. In the neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province, 68 schools across nine districts have also been affected, although no fatalities have been reported there.
The severe weather has resulted in widespread disruptions, leaving nearly 500,000 homes without electricity since Tuesday. State-owned power provider Eskom is working to restore power to these areas. In light of the disaster, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to the victims' families and urged citizens to act with caution as the adverse effects of winter weather are anticipated to persist.
The Eastern Cape region, famously known as the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, is currently facing the brunt of these harsh conditions, severely affecting road access in efforts to prevent further casualties.
