Devastating Floods in South Africa: Rescuers Rally to Find Missing After 49 Confirmed Dead

CAPE TOWN – Search teams are now in their third day of looking for missing people after severe floods hit South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, tragically claiming the lives of at least 49 individuals. Authorities fear that the death toll might continue to rise as the search progresses.

Among the missing are four high school students who were on a bus that was swept away by floodwaters near a river on Tuesday. Six students were found dead, while three managed to survive by clinging to trees and calling for help.

The floods struck quickly, arriving with an extreme cold front that brought heavy rain, strong winds, and even snow to parts of the region. Meteorologists had warned about this severe weather just a week prior.

Local officials believe more people may still be unaccounted for, though they didn’t specify how many. They are currently working closely with families to track down those who are missing.

On Wednesday, rescue teams recovered bodies from the water, while many residents sought refuge on rooftops and in trees. The devastation hit Mthatha and surrounding areas, located about 430 kilometers south of Durban.

The flooding damaged at least 58 schools and 20 hospitals, leaving hundreds of families homeless. Roads and bridges, essential for transportation, have also suffered significant damage. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane described this disaster as one of the worst weather-related events in the province’s history.

In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa has activated the National Disaster Management Center to assist local authorities. National officials are also expected to visit the affected areas soon.

Recent statistics show that natural disasters like these are becoming more frequent. According to the World Meteorological Organization, climate change is driving these extreme weather events, leading to heavier rainfall in regions previously less affected. This raises concerns about how communities can prepare for future floods.

In times of crisis, community support plays a crucial role. Social media has been abuzz with hashtags like #EasternCapeFloods, highlighting efforts to provide aid to those affected. People are sharing resources, volunteering, and raising funds online.

For anyone interested in helping, you can check official channels like AP News Africa for updates and ways to contribute.

The road to recovery will be long, but the resilience of communities in times like these shows the strength of human spirit.

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environment,Climate,Cyril Ramaphosa,World news,Oscar Mabuyane