Flooding in South Africa Claims At Least 49 Lives with Toll Expected to Rise

At least 49 people have died due to flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province. Officials are concerned that this toll could rise as search efforts continue for missing individuals. Severe weather, including heavy rains and mudslides, has significantly impacted the area, resulting in many homeless and damaged infrastructure.

At least 49 individuals have lost their lives due to severe flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, with officials warning that this number may continue to climb as rescue efforts are underway to locate missing persons. The devastating floods began on Tuesday after a powerful weather front swept through, unleashing torrential rains, high winds, and even snow in some areas.

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane addressed the dire situation during a press briefing, noting, “I have never seen something like this.” He also mentioned that bodies are still being discovered on an ongoing basis, which highlights the severity of the disaster. This calamity hit Mthatha particularly hard, resulting in multiple casualties, including six high school students who were tragically swept away while on a school bus caught in floodwaters.

Rescue operations continue as authorities work tirelessly to locate those unaccounted for. Three students were rescued clinging to trees, but the search remains critical for the remaining four who are still missing. Tragically, a driver and another adult who were accompanying the schoolchildren are among the deceased.

The flooding also triggered mudslides, exacerbating the already critical situation. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the National Disaster Management Center has been activated to work alongside local authorities to deal with the aftermath of the storm. The Eastern Cape province has suffered from unprecedented cold and heavy precipitation this week, including significant snowfalls.

In a statement, President Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the bereaved families, calling the situation one of pure “devastation.” The storms have left many without electricity, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.

Many families have been rendered homeless, seeking refuge in temporary shelters after their homes were destroyed or severely damaged. Reports indicate that at least 58 schools and 20 hospitals suffered damage, predominantly in Mthatha and the surrounding areas.

As rain subsides, the aftermath reveals destroyed vehicles and debris scattered throughout affected neighborhoods, with houses partially submerged in water. South Africa frequently faces brutal weather systems originating from the Indian and Southern Oceans, and the risk increases in economically disadvantaged areas often comprising informal housing, which accounts for a significant portion of flood-related fatalities.

In 2022, a previous flooding incident in Durban resulted in over 400 deaths, illustrating the ongoing struggle against catastrophic weather in the region.

In summary, South Africa’s Eastern Cape province is currently grappling with the devastating impact of severe flooding, which has resulted in at least 49 confirmed fatalities, with ongoing search efforts for missing persons. The disaster, worsened by mudslides and severe weather conditions, has left many families homeless and has caused significant damage to infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. With increased weather-related disasters affecting the region, the vulnerability of poorer areas continues to be a growing crisis.

Original Source: baynews9.com