Floods in South Africa Claim Nine Lives

(MENAFN) Nine individuals lost their lives, while three schoolchildren managed to survive, after a minibus was swept away by severe floods in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa on Tuesday.

An earlier update from the Eastern Cape Provincial Government revealed that six bodies were discovered in Decoligny village within Mthatha, and a seventh was retrieved near the Bedlana River in Tsolo.

The statement described the situation, saying, "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."

At approximately 10 pm (2000 GMT), two additional bodies were reported recovered.

Local news sources further reported that the three schoolchildren who survived the minibus tragedy did so by gripping onto trees amidst the floodwaters.

Earlier in the day, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued an orange alert for the Eastern Cape, cautioning residents about disruptive weather including snowfall and strong, damaging winds.

SAWS also raised an orange level five warning for KwaZulu-Natal Province.

Although no deaths were reported there, the region experienced heavy snowfall, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain indoors for safety.

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