The search for schoolchildren swept away in floods in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has resumed this morning, following an overnight halt, officials confirmed.
The tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday morning in the town of Mthatha, where a school bus carrying an unknown number of pupils was overcome by floodwaters while attempting to cross a bridge. This devastating event highlights the severe impact of recent extreme weather conditions across the region.
Officials reported that three students were rescued on Tuesday, (they were found clinging to trees), as detailed by public broadcaster SABC. However, the exact number of pupils on the bus remains unclear. The vehicle itself has since been located on a riverbank, but with no occupants inside, intensifying the grim search efforts.
In a distressing, unconfirmed report by private TV station Newzroom Afrika, the bodies of 10 children and the bus driver have now reportedly been discovered further downstream.
On Wednesday morning, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the scene of the disaster to observe the ongoing rescue efforts and to meet with the affected communities. While acknowledging the “difficult situation,” Premier Mabuyane expressed satisfaction with the rapid response of the emergency services.
South Africa Battling Severe Winter Weather and Widespread Impact
South Africa has been grappling with a period of exceptionally severe winter weather, characterized by heavy snow, persistent rains, and destructive gale-force winds.
These challenging conditions have tragically claimed the lives of 14 people across the country, with nine fatalities directly attributed to the floods and five resulting from a separate road accident.
The widespread weather phenomenon also caused significant disruption, leaving nearly 500,000 homes without electricity on Tuesday. State-owned power provider Eskom has confirmed that efforts are underway to restore these vital power connections.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives, urging citizens to “display caution, care and cooperation as the worst impacts of winter weather take effect across the country.”
The Eastern Cape, famously the birthplace of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, has been particularly hard-hit by the icy conditions, alongside the KwaZulu-Natal province.
The adverse weather has necessitated the closure of some major roads in both provinces, a critical measure implemented to prevent further casualties and ensure public safety amidst the ongoing environmental challenges.
