Tragic Flooding in South Africa: At Least 49 Lives Lost and Rising – What You Need to Know

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Floods have led to tragic losses in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, claiming at least 49 lives. Officials warn that this number might rise as search efforts continue for several missing individuals.

The disaster struck early Tuesday, drowning parts of the rural province after a severe weather front unleashed heavy rains and strong winds. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane described the situation as unprecedented, saying, “I have never seen something like this.”

Among the victims were six high school students who were swept away when their school bus was caught in the floodwaters near Mthatha, a town severely affected by the deluge. Tragically, four other students are still unaccounted for. Authorities found the bus abandoned, but three students were rescued from trees, crying for help.

Rescue operations are set to resume Thursday. Authorities are working closely with families to determine who else may be missing. In addition to the schoolchildren, a driver and another adult also perished in the floods.

Disaster response teams are now active in both Eastern Cape and neighboring KwaZulu-Natal provinces, following reports of mudslides and significant property damage. President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the National Disaster Management Center is coordinating with local authorities in affected areas.

The floods have left hundreds homeless and disrupted essential services, affecting at least 58 schools and 20 hospitals in the Eastern Cape region. Many families are now in temporary shelters after their homes were destroyed. Power outages have impacted tens of thousands of residents.

This type of severe weather is not new for South Africa. Historical data shows that 2022 saw over 400 fatalities due to flooding in Durban. Poor communities, especially those with informal housing, are often hit hardest during such disasters. According to a recent report, over 80% of fatalities from natural disasters in South Africa occur in these areas.

As climate change exacerbates extreme weather events globally, regions like the Eastern Cape may see more frequent and severe floods. Experts emphasize the need for improved infrastructure and community resilience to mitigate future disasters. Understanding the patterns of such weather fronts can help in better preparation and response strategies.

For more detailed updates, you can refer to the latest news from [AP Africa](https://apnews.com/hub/africa).

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South Africa, Accidents, Cyril Ramaphosa, Oscar Mabuyane, Weather, General news, Floods, Storms, World news, Politics, Climate and environment, South Africa government, Climate