The search for schoolchildren who were swept away in floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape province has recommenced after being paused overnight due to worsening weather conditions. The incident occurred when a school bus carrying students to school in Mthatha was engulfed by floodwaters while crossing a bridge on Tuesday. Officials confirmed that three students were rescued from the precarious situation, but the exact number of children aboard the bus remains uncertain.
The bus was later located on the riverbank, empty of passengers. A report from private station Newzroom Afrika indicated that the bodies of ten children and the driver had been located downstream. According to public broadcaster SABC, the three rescued children were found clinging to trees in a desperate bid for survival.
On Wednesday morning, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the area to assess the rescue efforts firsthand and engage with affected communities. He expressed cautious optimism regarding the prompt response of emergency services, despite acknowledging the difficult circumstances.
South Africa is currently experiencing severe winter weather, including heavy rains, snow, and strong winds, which has resulted in the loss of at least 14 lives so far: nine due to flooding and five in a separate road accident. Nearly 500,000 homes were left without power as a result, and state-owned utility Eskom is working to restore electricity.
In response to this tragedy, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the grieving families. He called upon citizens to exercise vigilance and cooperate as the nation grapples with the harsh impact of the winter weather. The Eastern Cape, the birthplace of renowned anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, has been severely affected, alongside KwaZulu-Natal province. This inclement weather has also necessitated the closure of major roads in both provinces to prevent additional tragedies.
For more updates on this crisis and pertinent stories from South Africa, visit BBC Africa.
The bus was later located on the riverbank, empty of passengers. A report from private station Newzroom Afrika indicated that the bodies of ten children and the driver had been located downstream. According to public broadcaster SABC, the three rescued children were found clinging to trees in a desperate bid for survival.
On Wednesday morning, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the area to assess the rescue efforts firsthand and engage with affected communities. He expressed cautious optimism regarding the prompt response of emergency services, despite acknowledging the difficult circumstances.
South Africa is currently experiencing severe winter weather, including heavy rains, snow, and strong winds, which has resulted in the loss of at least 14 lives so far: nine due to flooding and five in a separate road accident. Nearly 500,000 homes were left without power as a result, and state-owned utility Eskom is working to restore electricity.
In response to this tragedy, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the grieving families. He called upon citizens to exercise vigilance and cooperate as the nation grapples with the harsh impact of the winter weather. The Eastern Cape, the birthplace of renowned anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, has been severely affected, alongside KwaZulu-Natal province. This inclement weather has also necessitated the closure of major roads in both provinces to prevent additional tragedies.
For more updates on this crisis and pertinent stories from South Africa, visit BBC Africa.
