A minibus carrying schoolchildren was swept away by raging floodwaters in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, with rescue efforts paused overnight. At least three children were found alive, but authorities remain uncertain about the total number on board.
Meanwhile, seven bodies have been recovered in the OR Tambo district after heavy flooding devastated the region. The country is experiencing extreme weather, including snow, torrential rains, and gale-force winds, leading to tragic road accidents and leaving nearly half a million homes without electricity.
The Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have been hardest hit, forcing road closures and making navigation hazardous. Officials warn that climate change is contributing to increasingly severe rainfall, with meteorologists forecasting more dangerous conditions.
State power utility Eskom reported widespread outages, affecting hundreds of thousands of homes. The extreme weather has also stranded vehicles and disrupted coastal shipping due to high winds and waves.
Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant as rescue
