Floods washes away mini school bus in South Africa

(MENAFN) Heavy flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province caused the death of nine people on Tuesday after a swollen river carried off a minibus transporting school children. Three of the children survived the ordeal.

Initial reports from the Eastern Cape Provincial Government indicated that six bodies were discovered in Decoligny village in Mthatha, with another found near Tsolo by the Bedlana River.

"Devastating weather conditions which brought intense cold, heavy rains and flash floods have also caused significant damage to road infrastructure, the displacement of residents and disruption of essential services. Seven people have tragically lost their lives due to recent flooding emanating from inclement weather conditions," the statement read.

Later that night, around 10 pm (2000GMT), two additional bodies were recovered, according to local reports. Media outlets also reported that the three children who survived managed to cling to trees until help arrived.

Earlier in the day, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued an orange alert for the Eastern Cape, warning of disruptive conditions including snowfall and strong winds.

SAWS also declared an orange level five warning for KwaZulu-Natal Province, though no deaths were reported there. The region experienced significant snowfall, and officials urged residents to stay indoors for safety.

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