Schoolchildren in South Africa Face Tragedy as Severe Floods and Snow Strike

Tragedy struck in South Africa as severe flooding and snow caused disruptions across the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, resulting in loss of life and significant infrastructure damage.

Heavy rains and icy conditions have led to a minibus, with schoolchildren onboard, being swept away, prompting urgent rescue operations. As of now, only three children have been rescued, and the search for the remaining passengers was temporarily halted due to darkness. Other incidents related to the flooding include the discovery of seven deceased individuals in the OR Tambo district and the death of five people in a related vehicle accident near East London, where a driver lost control trying to avoid debris.

The inclement weather has impacted nearly 500,000 homes, leaving them without electricity. Premier Oscar Mabuyane has urged residents to remain cautious while navigating areas prone to flooding. The Eastern Cape has been among the hardest hit, with heavy snow and severe winds leading to road closures and transport challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness in the face of worsening environmental conditions. Meteorologists have linked this severe weather pattern to climate change, which is expected to intensify rainfall and flooding events in the region.