Following a tragic incident in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa, where floods swept away a school bus, search operations for missing children have resumed. While some were rescued, unconfirmed reports suggest additional fatalities. The region remains affected by severe weather, prompting widespread disruption.
Search Resumes for Schoolchildren Lost in South African Floods
Search Resumes for Schoolchildren Lost in South African Floods
Efforts continue in the Eastern Cape as the search for schoolchildren swept away by floods resumes, while the community grapples with the aftermath of the extreme weather conditions.
In a heartbreaking situation in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, search and rescue operations have restarted following a pause in the wake of a severe flooding incident. On Tuesday morning, several schoolchildren were on a bus making their way to school in Mthatha when they encountered perilous conditions; the vehicle was reportedly swept away while attempting to cross a bridge.
Authorities confirmed that three students clinging to trees were rescued shortly after the incident, but it remains unclear how many children were on board the bus when it was overwhelmed by floodwaters. Local media outlet Newzroom Afrika has reported that the bodies of 10 children and the bus driver have been discovered further downstream.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane arrived at the scene on Wednesday morning to oversee the ongoing rescue efforts and engage with affected families. Despite the tragedy, Mabuyane expressed gratitude for the rapid response of emergency services amidst this dire situation.
The province has faced unparalleled weather challenges, with a combination of heavy rains, snow, and strong winds causing significant disruption. Official reports confirm 14 fatalities directly linked to the weather, including nine drownings related to the floods and five others due to a road accident.
In light of the ongoing power outages, which have affected nearly 500,000 households as reported on Tuesday, the state-owned power supplier Eskom is actively working to restore service. President Cyril Ramaphosa extended condolences to the bereaved families while urging citizens to exercise caution as the country battles the severe impacts of winter weather.
The Eastern Cape, also known as the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, has been particularly hard-hit by these conditions, mirroring challenges in KwaZulu-Natal province. With major roads closed and disruptions in multiple sectors, communities are on high alert for further potential hazards in the wake of these extraordinary weather events.
Authorities confirmed that three students clinging to trees were rescued shortly after the incident, but it remains unclear how many children were on board the bus when it was overwhelmed by floodwaters. Local media outlet Newzroom Afrika has reported that the bodies of 10 children and the bus driver have been discovered further downstream.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane arrived at the scene on Wednesday morning to oversee the ongoing rescue efforts and engage with affected families. Despite the tragedy, Mabuyane expressed gratitude for the rapid response of emergency services amidst this dire situation.
The province has faced unparalleled weather challenges, with a combination of heavy rains, snow, and strong winds causing significant disruption. Official reports confirm 14 fatalities directly linked to the weather, including nine drownings related to the floods and five others due to a road accident.
In light of the ongoing power outages, which have affected nearly 500,000 households as reported on Tuesday, the state-owned power supplier Eskom is actively working to restore service. President Cyril Ramaphosa extended condolences to the bereaved families while urging citizens to exercise caution as the country battles the severe impacts of winter weather.
The Eastern Cape, also known as the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, has been particularly hard-hit by these conditions, mirroring challenges in KwaZulu-Natal province. With major roads closed and disruptions in multiple sectors, communities are on high alert for further potential hazards in the wake of these extraordinary weather events.
