The search for the missing schoolchildren in South Africa's Eastern Cape province resumed following a temporary halt due to unfavorable conditions. The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday morning when a school bus transporting children to Mthatha was engulfed by floodwaters as it attempted to cross a bridge. While three pupils were subsequently rescued, the fate of the remaining children remains uncertain. Reports indicate that the bus has been located on a riverbank, but all occupants were unaccounted for, and unverified news sources suggest that the bodies of ten children and the driver may have been discovered downstream.
The local broadcaster has reported that the rescued children clung to trees while waiting for help. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the site to oversee rescue operations and express his support for the affected families, stating that while the situation is critical, he is pleased with the response from emergency services.
Recent severe weather, including heavy snowfall, relentless rain, and gale-force winds, has already resulted in at least 14 fatalities across South Africa, with nine attributed to flooding. Additionally, nearly half a million homes lost power earlier in the week, prompting Eskom, the state-owned electricity provider, to undertake restoration efforts.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his deepest sympathies to those who have suffered due to the crisis, emphasizing the importance of safety and cooperation as the harsh winter conditions persist. The Eastern Cape, historically significant as the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, has faced some of the most severe impacts from this winter's weather emergency, alongside KwaZulu-Natal province, leading to road closures to protect public safety.
The local broadcaster has reported that the rescued children clung to trees while waiting for help. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane visited the site to oversee rescue operations and express his support for the affected families, stating that while the situation is critical, he is pleased with the response from emergency services.
Recent severe weather, including heavy snowfall, relentless rain, and gale-force winds, has already resulted in at least 14 fatalities across South Africa, with nine attributed to flooding. Additionally, nearly half a million homes lost power earlier in the week, prompting Eskom, the state-owned electricity provider, to undertake restoration efforts.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his deepest sympathies to those who have suffered due to the crisis, emphasizing the importance of safety and cooperation as the harsh winter conditions persist. The Eastern Cape, historically significant as the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, has faced some of the most severe impacts from this winter's weather emergency, alongside KwaZulu-Natal province, leading to road closures to protect public safety.
