Tragedy Strikes South Africa as Floods Kill 49 and School Bus Is Swept Away

A deadly flood crisis has claimed at least 49 lives in South Africa after a violent cold front swept through parts of the country. Heavy rains and snowfall triggered flash floods that disrupted daily life, damaged infrastructure, and left thousands in distress—particularly in the Eastern Cape province.

One of the most heartbreaking events occurred in Decoligny village, where a school minibus carrying 13 people was caught in the floods on Tuesday morning. The vehicle was swept into a river while transporting children to school, prompting an immediate rescue response from emergency authorities.

Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, the Premier of Eastern Cape, confirmed in a press update that six people, including four students, the driver, and the assistant, had been found dead. He also reported that four passengers remained missing, with search-and-recovery teams working around the clock.

Power outages and impassable roads have made conditions worse for communities already grappling with the impact of the storm. Many residents were forced to evacuate their homes and seek shelter as floodwaters rose quickly, overwhelming emergency response capabilities.

President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences through an official statement and shared that three children had been successfully rescued from the submerged bus. His office also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting affected families during this time of national mourning.

Floods have repeatedly affected South Africa, often with deadly consequences. In 2022, massive rainfall led to the deaths of nearly 400 people in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal, underscoring the country’s growing vulnerability to climate-related disasters.

Authorities are urging people to remain vigilant as weather conditions remain unstable. The tragic loss of life has reignited public demands for stronger flood defenses, improved infrastructure, and more proactive measures to combat the increasing threat of extreme weather.