The search for missing schoolchildren in South Africa's Eastern Cape has restarted following a temporary suspension due to darkness. The students were reportedly en route to school in Mthatha when their bus was engulfed by floodwaters while attempting to cross a bridge. Officials confirmed that while three children were rescued, the total number of pupils aboard remains undetermined. The bus was subsequently located on a riverbank, empty of occupants. Private channel Newzroom Afrika claims that the bodies of ten children and their driver have been recovered downstream.
According to a report from public broadcaster SABC, the children rescued were found clinging to trees in an effort to stay safe from the rising waters. On Wednesday, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the disaster zone to oversee the ongoing rescue efforts and engage with the local communities impacted by the flooding. He expressed a mix of sympathy and gratitude towards the emergency response teams, acknowledging the significant challenges but commending their swift action.
The flooding has followed severe weather conditions across South Africa, where heavy snow and gale-force winds have claimed at least 14 lives, including nine linked to flooding incidents and five in a vehicle accident. Nearly half a million homes were left without power, with state utility Eskom working to restore electricity connections.
President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to grieving families and urged the public to exercise caution and unity in light of the winter storm's continuing effects throughout the country. The Eastern Cape, recognized as the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, along with KwaZulu-Natal, has faced the brunt of these adverse weather conditions, necessitating the closure of key roadways to prevent additional incidents.
According to a report from public broadcaster SABC, the children rescued were found clinging to trees in an effort to stay safe from the rising waters. On Wednesday, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the disaster zone to oversee the ongoing rescue efforts and engage with the local communities impacted by the flooding. He expressed a mix of sympathy and gratitude towards the emergency response teams, acknowledging the significant challenges but commending their swift action.
The flooding has followed severe weather conditions across South Africa, where heavy snow and gale-force winds have claimed at least 14 lives, including nine linked to flooding incidents and five in a vehicle accident. Nearly half a million homes were left without power, with state utility Eskom working to restore electricity connections.
President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to grieving families and urged the public to exercise caution and unity in light of the winter storm's continuing effects throughout the country. The Eastern Cape, recognized as the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, along with KwaZulu-Natal, has faced the brunt of these adverse weather conditions, necessitating the closure of key roadways to prevent additional incidents.
