The Eastern Cape’s weather-related death toll has increased from nine to 17 after the bodies of eight pupils and the driver of the minibus they were riding in were found.
The schoolchildren vanished on Monday after floods in Mthatha swept their scholar transport away.
After the river’s water level had dropped, a 16-seater minibus was discovered on Tuesday evening, and the bodies of the missing pupils and their driver were discovered on Wednesday morning.
The police and emergency service’s search and recovery operation was still underway at the time of publication, and the pupils’ distraught families were getting ready to identify their loved ones.
Xolile Nqatha, the MEC for transport in the province, confirmed the news.
“We were estimating that about 10 people were left in the bus as three were rescued. It is a sad thing, and the search is still ongoing,” Nqatha said.
“We urge people to be careful. When the bridge is already submerged in water, do not drive over it.
“Unfortunately, the driver continued to drive, and the engine switched off. That was when the water swept the minibus away.”
Nqatha sent his condolences to the families that lost their loved ones.
Hundreds of people displaced
The province has been hit by unrelenting, heavy rain and snow for the last two days, which caused devastating floods and landslides.
Hundreds of people have been displaced throughout the province as a result of the severe weather, which has also destroyed homes and infrastructure.
Hundreds of displaced residents are taking refuge in community halls in the OR Tambo district, while more than 200 residents of the Sikiti informal settlement in the Amathole district have been moved to A.B. Bam Primary School, and others from the Eugene and Zithulele informal settlements are being housed at Butterworth Town Hall, according to the office of the premier.
Power outages have made the situation worse in both districts; the Butterworth Water Treatment Works has suffered significant damage as a result of electrical panels and pumps being submerged.
Eastern Cape premier Lubabalo Mabuyane expressed profound sorrow. “It is with a heavy heart that I address our province during this difficult time. The loss of life is a tragedy that affects us all, and my thoughts and prayers are with the families who are grieving,” Mabuyane said.
“We stand in solidarity with the affected communities, and we are committed to providing the necessary support and assistance during this challenging period.”
Residents urged to follow safety advisories
He added that municipalities, emergency services, and provincial disaster management units are collaborating to stabilise the area and bring back critical services.
“We are coordinating with local municipalities and disaster management teams to respond effectively to this emergency. Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens.”
Mabuyane urged residents to remain informed about the weather conditions and follow any safety advisories issued by local authorities.
“Your safety is of utmost importance, and we must work together to navigate these challenging circumstances,” he said.
Those in temporary shelters are receiving hot meals and basic necessities from the South African Social Agency, in partnership with the social development department and local municipalities.
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