In brief
Severe floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape province following a slow-moving storm have resulted in 49 confirmed deaths, including children lost from a school bus. The storm has left thousands displaced and led to ongoing rescue efforts.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, South Africa's Eastern Cape province has been rocked by devastating floods due to a powerful slow-moving storm. The torrential rain, which began on June 10, swept through coastal areas, leading to the unfortunate drowning of homes and leaving many residents without basic necessities.As of Wednesday afternoon, local authorities reported 49 fatalities, including several children who were aboard a school bus that was tragically swept off a bridge in Mthatha. Out of the eleven children on the bus, three were rescued after clinging to trees, while four others and two adults are among the confirmed dead. Rescue operations are still underway, with a search ongoing for four children who remain unaccounted for.Provincial Premier Oscar Mabuyane expressed the unprecedented nature of the disaster, citing they have never seen such torrential rain combined with snow. With the worst of the weather apparently over, officials are still bracing for the possibility of additional casualties as many remain missing amidst the wreckage.
