South Africa Flood Tragedy: At Least 49 Dead, Including Schoolchildren

The Eastern Cape province of South Africa has been plunged into mourning after devastating floods and snowfall claimed the lives of at least 49 people, including schoolchildren, with many more still missing. Torrential rains and gale-force winds swept across the southeastern parts of the country this week, causing severe destruction and displacement.

Among the dead are four schoolchildren, a driver, and a conductor who were on a 22-seater minibus swept away by floodwaters near Mthatha on Tuesday morning. The bus was carrying 13 people—11 of them learners—when it was overpowered by rising waters at a river crossing. Three children were miraculously rescued after clinging to trees, but four others remain unaccounted for.

Premier Oscar Mabuyane described the events as unprecedented. “For all these years that I’ve lived, I have never seen something like this. It is a devastating reminder of nature’s power,” he said during a visit to Decoligny village, near Mthatha, where many residents spent the night in temporary shelters.

Disaster management teams have been activated across the Eastern Cape and neighbouring KwaZulu-Natal, both of which have faced the brunt of this extreme winter weather system. The cold front has blanketed parts of the provinces in snow while unleashing heavy rain and winds, causing mudslides, road closures, and the destruction of homes and public infrastructure.

The state utility Eskom reported that nearly 500,000 homes were left without electricity—almost 300,000 in Eastern Cape and a further 196,000 in KwaZulu-Natal. Repair efforts are underway, though challenging weather conditions have slowed progress.

At least 58 schools and 20 hospitals in Eastern Cape have sustained damage, impacting access to essential services. More than 500 people have been relocated to temporary shelters after losing their homes.

KwaZulu-Natal has also suffered infrastructure damage, with 68 schools across nine districts affected. Lorries and vehicles remain stranded on snow-covered highways, and grader machines have been deployed to keep key transport routes open.

The South African Weather Service had issued warnings days prior, forecasting a significant cold front with damaging rain, snowfall, and winds. Meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela cautioned against navigating sea routes, citing strong coastal winds and heavy waves.

President Cyril Ramaphosa extended condolences to affected families, describing the situation as a national tragedy. “These harsh winter conditions are life-threatening. The National Disaster Management Centre is coordinating with provincial authorities to ensure timely intervention and support,” his office stated.

Climate experts have reiterated that these severe weather events are becoming increasingly common due to climate change. A similar disaster in 2022 killed over 400 people in KwaZulu-Natal, raising alarms over the vulnerability of South Africa’s coastal and inland communities.

The Eastern Cape, a region of rich historical significance and the birthplace of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, is largely rural and home to many informal settlements. These communities are often most vulnerable to environmental disasters, lacking resilient infrastructure.

Premier Mabuyane concluded with a call for national unity and increased resources: “We need more helicopters, more teams, and stronger preparation. This is no longer exceptional—it is the new reality we must face together.”

As the death toll rises and the search continues for those still missing, South Africa faces not only a humanitarian crisis but a sobering reflection of the mounting costs of climate inaction.