The recent floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape have led to the tragic deaths of about 49 individuals, including schoolchildren, as heavy rain and snow wreak havoc on the region. Rescue operations continue amid widespread devastation and severe infrastructural damage.
Catastrophic Floods Claim Lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape
Catastrophic Floods Claim Lives in South Africa's Eastern Cape
Severe weather causes nearly 50 fatalities, displacing hundreds in a devastating humanitarian crisis.
The heavy rainfall that lashed South Africa's Eastern Cape province has finally started to ease, but the aftermath is dire, with nearly 50 fatalities reported, including several schoolchildren. The relentless downpour triggered catastrophic floods that have left communities reeling. Provincial premier Oscar Mabuyane disclosed that the numbers continue to rise as recovery efforts remain in full swing.
Among the deceased are four children, alongside a bus driver and conductor; they were passengers on a bus swept away while attempting to cross a bridge in Mthatha earlier this week. Efforts are ongoing to locate the four children still missing from the vehicle, which has now been discovered abandoned on the riverbank. Various sources indicate that eight bodies have been recovered, and hopeful news emerged as three children were found alive, clinging to trees amidst the chaos.
On Wednesday, Mabuyane witnessed rescue operations firsthand and offered support to the affected communities in Decoligny, near Mthatha. Hundreds have been displaced, with many seeking shelter in makeshift locations. The provincial leader commended those aiding in recovery efforts and emphasized the community spirit displayed as volunteers rallied to help alert their neighbours when the floods struck.
The floods disrupted 58 schools across three districts in the Eastern Cape, namely, OR Tambo, Amathole, and Alfred Nzo. In neighbouring KwaZulu-Natal, reports indicate that 68 schools have also sustained damage, but thankfully, no fatalities have been recorded in that province.
Additionally, the severe weather left nearly half a million households without electricity, leading state power supplier Eskom to work on restoration efforts. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa extended condolences to the grieving families and urged citizens to be vigilant and cooperative due to the harsh winter conditions persisting in the region.
The Eastern Cape, notably the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, has been worst-affected, alongside KwaZulu-Natal. The adverse weather has necessitated the closure of several major roadways to prevent further tragedies.
