Rescue efforts continue after a bus carrying schoolchildren was lost in severe flooding, underscoring the devastating impact of harsh weather conditions on communities in South Africa.
Tragic Flooding: Schoolchildren’s Minibus Swept Away in South Africa
Tragic Flooding: Schoolchildren’s Minibus Swept Away in South Africa
Severe floods and snow wreak havoc across South Africa, leading to tragic accidents and extensive power outages.
A minibus transporting schoolchildren was tragically swept away by heavy flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, according to government officials. While details remain scant, three children have been reported safe following the incident. Rescue operations were interrupted due to darkness and will be resumed on Wednesday. In an unrelated event, rescue teams have discovered the bodies of seven individuals in the OR Tambo district, who were also victims of the flooding.
South Africa has been struck by a combination of heavy snow, torrential rain, and fierce winds, resulting in at least five fatalities from road accidents and leaving nearly half a million homes without electricity. The Eastern Cape province, the childhood home of Nelson Mandela, has been particularly affected, alongside KwaZulu-Natal. Local authorities closed significant roadways in response to the dangerous conditions; Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane urged the public to exercise caution in flood-prone areas.
In a notable road mishap, five individuals died when a taxi overturned in East London. The driver reportedly lost control while attempting to avoid a fallen tree, leading to additional injuries. Utility provider Eskom reported that nearly 300,000 homes experienced outages in 14 locations within Eastern Cape, with another 196,000 homes affected in KwaZulu-Natal.
Transport Minister Siboniso Duma of KwaZulu-Natal revealed that heavy snowfall caused trucks to become stranded, resulting in severe traffic congestion. Grader machines are currently deployed to clear snow accumulation exceeding 30 cm (12 inches) on the most affected roads. Meteorologists warned of additional strong winds and treacherous sea conditions, complicating navigation for maritime vessels along the coastal regions.
Winter in South Africa, spanning from June to August, is characterized by occasional snow and common flooding; however, scientists indicate that climate change has intensified rainfall patterns, leading to destructive flash floods and river overflows that have previously wreaked havoc on numerous homes and communities.
For further updates and to track developments in South Africa, visit our coverage on BBC Africa.
