At Least 49 People Confirmed Dead in South Africa Floods as Recovery Efforts Continue
Severe flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape has resulted in at least 49 deaths, with more expected as recovery efforts continue. The floods were caused by a strong weather front delivering heavy rains, and a school bus accident tragically illustrates the disaster’s impact on children. President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences, while disaster response teams are working to address the devastation in the affected areas.
At least 49 individuals have lost their lives due to severe flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, and officials expect this number to climb as more recovery efforts are underway. The floods struck early Tuesday, following a particularly intense weather front that brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and even snow to various regions.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane spoke at a briefing, calling this one of the most devastating weather-related events his province has seen. “I have never seen something like this,” he remarked, indicating the severity of the situation. Among the deceased are six high school students who were swept away when their school bus was engulfed by floodwaters near Mthatha, the area hardest hit by the deluge.
Recent reports confirm that rescuers found the bus empty on Wednesday. Some students were rescued after being discovered clinging to trees, but four others remain missing. Tragically, a driver and another adult traveling with the group are included in the death toll.
Authorities have announced that search operations will continue into the third day on Thursday, although precise numbers regarding those still unaccounted for have not been provided. Officials are collaborating with families to gather more information on missing individuals.
In response to the torrential rain, disaster response teams have been activated in both Eastern Cape and the adjoining KwaZulu-Natal province. Mabuyane mentioned that additional reports of mudslides have surfaced, worsening the situation.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that the National Disaster Management Center is coordinating with local officials in the Eastern Cape, as that area faced the brunt of the extreme weather that was anticipated last week. Ramaphosa extended his condolences to families affected by this crisis, describing their plight as one of “devastation.”
Additionally, power outages have impacted hundreds of thousands in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, complicating recovery efforts. Officials report that many families are now homeless and living in temporary shelters after their homes were either washed away or severely damaged. The scenes of destruction include at least 58 schools and 20 hospitals impacted by the flooding, especially around Mthatha.
As the rain subsides, neighborhoods are left in disarray, with some homes completely submerged and wreckage scattered across the landscape. South Africa is susceptible to powerful weather fronts originating from the Indian and Southern Oceans, and as recent history shows, areas with informal housing are often the hardest hit in such disasters, leading to a higher fatality rate.
Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa.
In summary, South Africa’s Eastern Cape province is reeling from catastrophic flooding, with at least 49 confirmed deaths and many individuals still missing. The area has seen extensive devastation, including damage to schools, hospitals, and homes, with recovery operations ongoing. The situation illustrates the tragic vulnerability of poorer regions to extreme weather events. President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences, emphasizing the need for targeted disaster management moving forward.
Original Source: baynews9.com
