As search operations recommence for schoolchildren lost in devastating floods in Eastern Cape, South Africa, officials report ongoing rescue efforts and the discovery of multiple bodies downstream, emphasizing the need for caution amid adverse weather conditions.
Search Efforts Intensify for Missing Schoolchildren Amidst South Africa Floods
Search Efforts Intensify for Missing Schoolchildren Amidst South Africa Floods
Rescuers continue their search for schoolchildren swept away by severe floods in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, with new tragedies emerging from the stormy weather.
The search for schoolchildren swept away in floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape province has resumed after being paused overnight, according to officials. The students were on their way to school in Mthatha when their bus was engulfed by torrential floodwaters while crossing a bridge on Tuesday morning. Although three students were rescued, the total number of pupils aboard remains unclear, with the bus later found abandoned on a riverbank. An unverified report from the media outlet Newzroom Afrika suggests that the bodies of ten children, along with their driver, have been located further downstream.
Reports indicate that the three rescued children were discovered clinging to trees close to the river. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the area on Wednesday to oversee the rescue operations and meet with the affected families. He shared with Newzroom Afrika that despite the challenges, he was "quite happy" with the emergency services' response.
The region has faced heavy snowfall, torrential rain, and gale-force winds, resulting in the deaths of 14 people, with nine fatalities from flooding and five in a road accident. Nearly 500,000 homes lost power on Tuesday, and state-owned power company Eskom reported that efforts were underway to restore electricity.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed condolences to the grieving families and urged citizens to exhibit caution as the adverse winter weather grips the nation. The Eastern Cape, the birthplace of anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, has been severely impacted by the current weather conditions, along with KwaZulu-Natal province. Consequently, some major roads have been closed in both provinces to prevent further tragedies.
