Deadly Floods Devastate South Africa, Claiming Dozens of Lives Amid Severe Weather

At least 49 people have lost their lives after torrential rains and floods swept through parts of South Africa. Among the victims were schoolchildren whose bus was tragically swept into a river while they were on their way to school. Officials confirmed that the extreme weather was part of a severe cold front that brought intense rainfall, snow, and strong winds.

The Eastern Cape province was among the most severely affected regions, with widespread flooding forcing many families to evacuate their homes. Roads were submerged, power was knocked out in several communities, and emergency services scrambled to reach stranded residents. The provincial government reported that infrastructure damage was widespread, further complicating rescue efforts.

One of the most heartbreaking incidents occurred in Decoligny village on Tuesday morning when a school minibus was engulfed by floodwaters. The bus, carrying 13 people including students, the driver, and an assistant, was en route to a local school when it was swept away. The event sparked urgent search and rescue operations in the area.

According to Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, six people on the bus, including four children, the driver, and the conductor, were confirmed dead. Speaking at a press briefing, he noted the ongoing efforts to find the remaining missing passengers. Rescue teams have been working under challenging conditions to recover bodies and assist affected communities.

President Cyril Ramaphosa's office issued a statement expressing condolences to the bereaved families. The statement also noted that three children were rescued from the bus during the incident. Authorities and social workers are providing support to grieving families as the country comes to terms with the scale of the disaster.

South Africa has been no stranger to flooding in recent years. The country has experienced numerous weather-related tragedies, including the 2022 floods in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal, where nearly 400 people died. Experts have called for better infrastructure and emergency preparedness in light of increasingly frequent extreme weather events.

As search operations continue, government officials are urging communities in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions. The storm has highlighted the vulnerability of rural communities to climate-driven disasters, with many calling for urgent action to improve disaster response and resilience across the country.