JOHANNESBURG (AP) — A tragic scene unfolded in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province as floods wreaked havoc, claiming at least 49 lives as of Wednesday. The situation remains dire, with officials warning that the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue to recover missing individuals.
The floods struck early Tuesday, following an intense weather front that brought not only heavy rains but also gale-force winds and even snow in certain areas. This combination of extreme weather has left the largely rural Eastern Cape, one of South Africa’s poorest provinces, grappling with one of the worst weather-related disasters in its history. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane expressed his shock at the devastation, stating, “I have never seen something like this.”
Among the casualties are six high school students who tragically lost their lives when their school bus was swept away by floodwaters near Mthatha, a town that bore the brunt of the flooding. Four other students remain unaccounted for, heightening the urgency of ongoing search efforts. Authorities managed to locate the bus, but it was found empty. Fortunately, three students were rescued after clinging to trees, desperately calling for help.
The search and rescue operations are set to continue into a third day as authorities work tirelessly to locate those still missing. While the exact number of unaccounted individuals has not been disclosed, officials are collaborating with families to ascertain who remains lost. The emotional toll on the community is palpable, as families await news of their loved ones.
In response to the disaster, disaster response teams have been mobilized in both the Eastern Cape and neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province. The torrential rains and snow that hit southern and eastern South Africa over the weekend have also led to reports of mudslides, further complicating rescue efforts. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that the National Disaster Management Center is coordinating with local authorities to address the crisis.
Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the families affected by this tragedy, describing the situation as one of “devastation.” The impact of the floods has been widespread, with power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of homes across the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Many families have been left homeless, seeking refuge in temporary shelters after their homes were either washed away or severely damaged.
The floods have also taken a toll on infrastructure, with at least 58 schools and 20 hospitals reported damaged, particularly in Mthatha and its surrounding districts. As the waters recede, the aftermath reveals a landscape littered with debris and submerged homes, a stark reminder of the power of nature.
South Africa’s vulnerability to severe weather events is well-documented, with strong weather fronts frequently sweeping in from the Indian and Southern Oceans. The nation faced a similar crisis in 2022, when over 400 people lost their lives due to flooding caused by prolonged heavy rains in Durban and its vicinity. Unfortunately, it is often the poorer communities, characterized by informal housing, that bear the brunt of such disasters, leading to higher fatalities and greater loss.
As the Eastern Cape grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic event, the resilience of its communities will be tested. The ongoing search for missing individuals and the recovery efforts will require not only immediate assistance but also long-term support to rebuild lives and restore hope.
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Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa.
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