After enduring severe weather conditions, rescue efforts are underway for the missing students, illustrating the challenges faced by communities in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province.
Search Operations Continue for Missing Schoolchildren in South Africa's Floods
Search Operations Continue for Missing Schoolchildren in South Africa's Floods
Search efforts have resumed for schoolchildren swept away by floods in South Africa following a devastating incident in Mthatha.
The search for schoolchildren who were swept away during floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape province has resumed after being temporarily halted. The tragedy occurred when their bus was caught in rising floodwaters while crossing a bridge on Tuesday morning. While officials have noted that three students were rescued, the exact number of pupils aboard remains uncertain. The bus was later discovered abandoned on a riverbank, prompting fears for the children's safety. According to an unverified report from private television station Newzroom Afrika, the bodies of ten children and the bus driver have been located further downstream.
The initial rescue of three children, who were found clinging to trees, underscores the urgency of the situation. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the site on Wednesday, expressing his support for the rescue endeavors and commending the emergency services' response to the crisis. He acknowledged the dire circumstances but noted that he was "quite happy" with the ongoing operations.
The recent extreme weather in South Africa, which includes heavy rains, snow, and strong winds, has claimed at least fourteen lives—nine due to the floods and five in a separate road accident. The severe conditions have also impacted nearly 500,000 homes, leaving many without power. State-owned energy provider Eskom is working to restore electricity as the situation remains precarious.
In a heartfelt message, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the grieving families while urging citizens to be cautious and cooperative as the country contends with the aftermath of winter weather. The Eastern Cape, which has historical ties to Nelson Mandela, is among the areas hit hardest, with neighboring KwaZulu-Natal also affected. The extreme weather has resulted in the closure of major roads in both provinces to minimize further risks.
The initial rescue of three children, who were found clinging to trees, underscores the urgency of the situation. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the site on Wednesday, expressing his support for the rescue endeavors and commending the emergency services' response to the crisis. He acknowledged the dire circumstances but noted that he was "quite happy" with the ongoing operations.
The recent extreme weather in South Africa, which includes heavy rains, snow, and strong winds, has claimed at least fourteen lives—nine due to the floods and five in a separate road accident. The severe conditions have also impacted nearly 500,000 homes, leaving many without power. State-owned energy provider Eskom is working to restore electricity as the situation remains precarious.
In a heartfelt message, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the grieving families while urging citizens to be cautious and cooperative as the country contends with the aftermath of winter weather. The Eastern Cape, which has historical ties to Nelson Mandela, is among the areas hit hardest, with neighboring KwaZulu-Natal also affected. The extreme weather has resulted in the closure of major roads in both provinces to minimize further risks.
