At least seven people have died following severe flooding caused by intense winter storms in the eastern part of South Africa, authorities said on Tuesday. The floods have also left several schoolchildren missing after a minibus carrying them was swept away by rising waters.
The Eastern Cape province, especially the city of Mthatha and surrounding areas, has been hit hardest by the storm that began on Monday. Six bodies were recovered in Mthatha, located about 800 kilometres south of Johannesburg, while a seventh victim was found near a river in the rural community of Tsolo, according to a statement from the provincial government.
Three children were rescued after they spent hours stranded in trees to escape the rising floodwaters near Mthatha. Rescue teams managed to pull them to safety amid harsh weather conditions.
“The search is still ongoing regarding a minibus carrying schoolchildren that was swept away earlier this morning,” the government said, but did not provide details on the number of passengers involved.
The province has deployed disaster management teams to support people affected by the cold front, which brought heavy rains, flooding, and snow to several areas. This rare combination of extreme weather has caught many residents off guard.
Local media reported that some residents in Mthatha were forced to take refuge on rooftops in freezing temperatures early Tuesday. The flooding submerged many homes, especially in informal settlements.
In the nearby town of Butterworth, about 110 kilometres from Mthatha, about 200 people sought shelter in a community hall after floods swept through their neighborhood. Many lost their belongings and homes as the water levels rose rapidly.
South Africa’s severe winter storms have caused widespread disruption across the Eastern Cape and other provinces, with poor drainage systems and vulnerable infrastructure worsening the effects of the floods.
Emergency officials warn that more rainfall is expected in the coming days, which could complicate rescue efforts and increase the risk of further casualties.
Flooding during South Africa’s winter months is unusual but not unheard of. In recent years, climate change has contributed to more unpredictable weather patterns, leading to heavier rains and storms.
The government has called for urgent assistance and cooperation among local authorities, disaster management teams, and communities to reduce the impact of the disaster. Aid agencies are working to provide food, dry clothes, and temporary shelter for displaced families.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended condolences to the families of those who died and promised support for those affected by the floods. He urged citizens to stay alert and heed warnings from weather agencies.
The flooding and cold wave add to the challenges faced by many South Africans already struggling with poverty and inadequate housing, especially in rural and informal urban settlements.
As the search continues for the missing schoolchildren and others who may be trapped, the focus remains on swift rescue operations and preventing further loss of life.
